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
If you are rich, are you going to hell? This is the question that seems to be posed in this parable of Jesus. There seems to be a direct correlation between the wealth and comfort of the rich man and the torment he experienced in the afterlife and, in contrast, the torment of Lazarus in life and his comfort in the afterlife. But I'm not sure that’s the point.
Instead, Jesus' parable deals with the question of where we seek our comfort. The rich man sought out comfort in lavish meals and expensive clothing. These things became his salvation in life and he seemed to have no need of salvation from outside of himself. His independence was his downfall. Lazarus trusted in God for his salvation and for providence from day to day. The Lord was his salvation and his faith carried him through to eternal salvation. Only God truly saves.
Prayer
Lord God, help us to turn to you in our need for comfort. Surround us with your loving arms and teach us to rely on you for all good things. Strengthen our faith and embolden our belief. Amen.