August 17

Luke 16:19-31 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

v. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may come from there to us.

Observation

Although they had two very distinctively different lives, they were neighbors: the rich man inside the house and Lazarus at the gate of the house (v. 19). While one was enjoying his life to his heart’s content, the other one was suffering from hunger and physical ailment (vv. 20, 21). And the time came for both of them to leave this world (v. 22a).

When the two died, the final destination they landed at was again distinctively different: one at the side of Abraham and the other one in Hades (vv. 22b, 23). While Lazarus was enjoying the presence of God, the rich man was going through the anguish in the flame (v. 24). And it is too late to do anything at this point (v. 25) because there is a huge chasm between the two sides (v. 26).

The rich man came to his senses and asked Abraham to send someone to warn his five brothers so that they would not end up in the same place, the place of torment (vv. 27, 28). However, this request is just unacceptable and unnecessary as well since there are enough witnesses around them who are able to share the truth (vv. 29, 30). It is not because they don’t have an opportunity to hear the truth, but it’s their rejection that would bring them to the same place of torment as the rich man (v. 31).

Application

It is again a great reminder on finiteness of life on earth: everyone is going to leave this earth sooner of later. It is during this interval one needs to make a firm decision on life after death. It will be “too late” to do so upon leaving this earth. As much as I am grateful for my relationship with God through Jesus, I must be mindful of the rich men around me who are so consumed with things of the world that they either reject the truth or simply don’t have time for it. Who would be these rich men around me? The gentleman I bump into every morning at the gym? Or the barista at a Starbucks near my home who always greets me with a big smile? Or a stranger who travels with me to a city in the East Coast for 5 hours? I desire to be intentionally mindful of these people and look for a natural way to share and show the truth.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank you for another creation called Today. I know there is a reason why You allow me to live another day. I want to live this day for your delight in sharing and showing the truth in and through what I think, say and do. Holy Spirit, help me to live out this purpose throughout the day. Amen.

--p. han