Read the Word:
Luke 16:19-31
Meditate on the Word:
This passage has always fascinated me for several reasons. Of course it seems obvious that Jesus is teaching on the reality of hell, but note that the man in hell is able to see what he is missing. That would seem to be the worst part of the punishment–knowing what you could have had and not being able to get to it. It also seems obvious that the rich man’s sin was in not feeding and caring for Lazarus. But what seems crazy is that this rich man just doesn’t get it.
It is interesting that the man does not ask to be able to go to where Abraham is. Instead, he asks for Abraham to send Lazarus to give him water! He still thinks that others exist to serve him. Ironically, he wants Lazarus to provide him the same relief that he failed to provide for Lazarus in life.
I also find it fascinating that he knows Lazarus’ name. Why do you suppose that it? Was this man fully aware of Lazarus and chose to ignore him anyway? What a tragedy!
Pray the Word:
Seek the Lord’s wisdom on who you can provide some relief for today. Then do so.
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