Luke 16:19-31 (NRSV)
Read Luke 16:19-31 on biblegateway.com
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 gospel story of Lazarus and the rich man is a good example concerning words and deeds. There are many words going back and forth between the rich man and Father Abraham. It seems that the rich man still thinks that his riches entitle some action on behalf of Abraham and Lazarus. Words! Words! Words are best summed up in the 31st verse, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets (Ezekiel), neither will they be convinced, even if someone rises from the dead.”
By contrast, consider the action that found poor Lazarus being carried away to be in Father Abraham’s arms. No words, just the loving comfort of the Father. No doubt each of us is “poor” in many ways that cause us long days and heavy hurts that find comfort when we are held in the loving Father’s arms.
Prayer
Holy Father, we pray that we might listen better and seek forgiveness when we ignore the good words of hope and help. We are also very grateful that we have been invited to “Come unto me”...the Father’s arms! Amen.