Scripture to Read: Luke 16:22-24
We read today that both Lazarus and the rich man died. Lazarus was taken to Abraham’s bosom, and the rich man went to Hades. Before our Lord Jesus Christ's crucifixion, all dead souls went to the same place, but this place was divided into two areas and was separated by a large chasm. One area, in Hebrew, was called Sheol and in Greek, it was called Hades. The other side of this place was called Abraham's Bosom or Paradise. When Lazarus died, he was carried to “Abraham’s bosom.” That's where everyone who trusted in God went when they died (remember, this is before the crucifixion). All of the Old Testament saints went there when they died. It was a pleasant place of rest and comfort. All of those who did not worship and follow God as the One True God went to Sheol or Hades, a place of torment; that is where the rich man ended up after he died. We read that the rich man called out to Abraham and asked Abraham to send Lazarus over to simply dip his finger in some water to cool off his tongue. What we must not miss here is that the rich man NEVER asked if he could leave his place of torment. The rich man only asked if Lazarus could come over to him and give him some relief. Even in suffering, the rich man still had zero desire to repent and be made right with God. The torment did not even change the rich man's selfish heart.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about the heart of a person?
2. Why is it so important for us to share Christ with this lost world? Who is the only one who can transform a hard heart?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!