Lenten Devotional
I must admit that I am hitting a ring of writers block and lacking creativity. In some points, I fell this endeavor of a daily devotional writing was a call to join in conversation with readers and members of the church as they read through the Gospels in lent. I have learned that the writer must be a few months or even a year ahead for this type of project. Not that God does not speak everyday in the reading. But the words to publish on a blog are not as easy. The transition of God speaking to me writing does not always flow straight to the pages. So, I give thanks to all who join the my shortfalls and still press on the gain from Christ.
Today I am draws once again to the great Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man that ends our reading for today. This parable rings of much of what we see in the world today. How many times does a beggar sit at the door of a fine restaurant or at its dumpster just hoping for a scrap of food? This is not just a problem in developing countries. We are just as guilty of this sin. There are people starving in this country. Yes, I can hear the list of reasons why, but still what are we doing when asked by God to feed the hungry? There are many Lazarus in the lives of people. We just may not see them clearly.
In this parable, the focus is not on the reality of what the rich did or did not do in life. It is on the family still living on earth. A messenger from the grave has to be sent to deliver them from the torment of Hades. The response back is a resounding no. "'If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" This is some powerful stuff. What does this mean for when Jesus is raised from the dead in the Resurrection?
We do know that the quote is prophetic. There are people at the time of the Resurrection that do not believe Jesus. Today are people who do not believe with a person raised from the grave. The words of the parable are true. Does this mean we should not worry about those who do not change or seek compassion towards the needy? No. We can demonstrate and show love and compassion with a hope that they will one day see through us the Christ who loves us. There will always be those who doubt, but we can work to lower the numbers.
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