Scripture to Read: Luke 16:25-26
What we read today are some very sobering words. As we know from yesterday’s devotion, the rich man had called out to Abraham, asking Abraham to send Lazarus over to help bring him some relief from his agony. Today we read Abraham’s response. Abraham reminded the rich man of the rich man’s failure to show compassion for Lazarus while living on earth. Abraham also reminds the rich man that the rich man lived incredibly well on earth and received all kinds of good things. Abraham then reminds the rich man that Lazarus received nothing but bad things while living on earth. The sin of the rich man was not that he had good things. The rich man’s sin was that he did not share with Lazarus, or anyone else from what we can tell, from the good things he had been given while living on earth. Then Abraham reminds the rich man that there was also a large chasm dividing them from each other. The chasm kept people from crossing over from one side to the other side. In other words, death brought finality to one’s eternity. There are no “second chances” for repentance once someone died. Jesus was making the point in this parable that the fate of each person’s soul was sealed once death took place. Though we know from yesterday’s devotion that the rich man did not have a desire to repent, Jesus wanted everyone to know that this would never be an option after death. Each person must decide this side of death whom they will serve.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about death and the outcome for each soul for eternity?
2. Who will you share Christ with this week in order to give them the chance to change their soul’s final destiny?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!