Luke 16:19-31 (NRSV)
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Verse 19"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. Verse 20And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, Verse 21who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. Verse 22The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. Verse 23In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. Verse 24He 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.' Verse 25But 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. Verse 26Besides 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.' Verse 27He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house- Verse 28for I have five brothers-that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Verse 29Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' Verse 30He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' Verse 31He 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.'"
Devotion
The name Lazarus means "God has helped" and he is a rare character to be named in any of Jesus’ parables. But he doesn’t have an enviable earthly life. Nor did he live up to his name by experiencing God’s help. He was poor and perpetually hungry. He was covered in oozing sores and his life was full of torment.
Yet, I wonder if the name "God has helped" is actually intended to direct us to see the ways God can help others through us. Lazarus certainly eventually got his reward in heaven, when he was seated in the presence of Abraham. But in the parable God helped the rich man see the way that he had failed to help those in need like Lazarus. Lazarus was a living opportunity to love the Lord and also love his neighbor as himself. May we also see the Lazaruses in our own lives and by helping them, live out the greatest commandment.
Prayer
Loving God, open our eyes to see your children who are in need. May we give out of the abundance you have given to us to serve your people. Amen.