Money matters
Opening Prayer
Father, teach me to see as You do and to move as You lead. Thank You.
Read Luke 16:19–31
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
[19] “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. [20] At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores [21] and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. [23] In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. [24] So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ [25] “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. [26] And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ [27] “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, [28] for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ [29] “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ [30] “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ [31] “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'” Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How did life choices effect eternity?Jesus continues on the theme of the dangers of trusting in wealth—a theme that is common in his teaching. It’s not that he is against the wealthy, just that he sees the dangers that they face, and the obstacle that money can present to trusting in God (Mark 10:23). He speaks out against the oppression of the poor by the rich. For many readers who live in possession-saturated societies this teaching presents a special challenge. This story reminds us that the choices we make and the way we live now will affect our life in the age to come. Now is the time to use our money wisely, for there will come a time when it is too late. The temptation is to say that if only we had more proof we might believe (30); we might trust God rather than wealth. Without proof it all seems too big a risk, too great a sacrifice. But, says Jesus, we have all we need. The Bible shows us what God requires from those who love him—justice and generosity. This man had shown neither—nor had the Pharisees. Their love of money had blinded them to what God really wanted.
Apply
Look for some situation of poverty or human need in which you could make a difference, and pray about your response.
Closing prayer
God, help me live in such a way that I’ll have no reason for regret in eternity.
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