Scripture to Read: Luke 16:25-26
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is a great reminder that the choices we make here on earth affect where we go when we die. At this point, the rich man was able to see Lazarus and the comfort he was enjoying being with Abraham. We read then in Luke 16:25–26, “But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your life you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus bad things; but now he is being comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’” Jesus shared Abraham’s response to the rich man’s request for Lazarus to come and touch his tongue with a drop of water. If we’re not careful, we could misinterpret what Jesus said in verses 25–26, for it may sound as though the rich man was suffering simply because he had been rich while on earth and that Lazarus was being comforted because he had suffered while on earth. That would be incorrect. Jesus had Abraham reveal to the rich man his selfish heart, pointing out that he knew Lazarus on earth and had never paid attention to him when he was lying outside his gate as a lame, starving man. We also learn that the chasm between them could not be crossed. Once someone dies, their eternity is sealed, never to be changed, which is why living wholeheartedly for Christ now is crucial.
Challenge & Application
What was Abraham’s response, and why couldn’t Lazarus help the rich man?
Why is it so important to share Christ with those who don’t know Him and to live for Him with all we are?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!