What Jesus Did! 'Closing Time' — Luke 16:24-26

Friday, September 29, 2023

[Jesus continued the story of the rich man and Lazarus:] "The rich man shouted, 'Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.'

"But Abraham said to him, 'Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.'"

— Luke 16:24-26 NLT

Key Thought

Some things are final. The rich man had chosen to live for the moment and neglect eternal matters like showing compassion to a poor sick man "right under his nose." Then it was too late. Death had come and stolen away his chance to be a better person. There was no crossing over; there was a great chasm between him and Abraham. Jesus told this story to warn us to make our lives count with eternal weight while we are alive because when we die, there are no more chances to invest in what matters.

Today's Prayer

Father, open my eyes and help me see things as you see them. I want to live by eternal values right now. Help me see the areas where I am procrastinating or living in denial about what needs to be done for your glory and to bless others. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Proverbs 11:4
  • Hebrews 9:24-28
  • 2 Corinthians 5:10

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 16:24-26 NLT — "The rich man shouted, 'Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.' "

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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