Focus
Experience silence in the midst of your busy day. Take some time to relax into a time to be with God.
Read
19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ 27 He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ 30 He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Reflect
Note: The Lazarus in these verses is not the same Lazarus Jesus rose from the dead*
This passage is a vivid reminder of two things:
The first is that those whom suffer on Earth (like Lazarus*), yet believe in God, will find themselves in the presence of angels, healed, whole, and happy in Heaven after their death. What a wonderful promise for us to hold on to, as we watch and endure the sufferings of the world!
Secondly, those that do not believe in God go to Hell. The descriptions of Hell in these verses are of torment, agony, and a longing for a single drop of water!
After reading about these two very different places one goes after death, it is clear Heaven is the destination we want. But, after our assuredness in our own salvation, we have to look to those we love and observe their salvation as well. The rich man was concerned about the fate of his family, wanting them in Heaven. I, too, have friends and family that I know need to be saved. As I read about the brief description of Hell in these verses—I am convicted with an urgency to witness to those around me, so that they can be in Heaven and not face the depravity of Hell!
Pray
Lord, help us be assured in our own salvation, knowing we will spend eternity with You. Show us the ways to witness to those around us, that we might lead them to be saved. Amen
Go with God!
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