February 23rd - Reflection

Luke 18:18-30 (NRSV)
The rich young ruler
"Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and whoever marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.


"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. He 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.' But 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. Besides 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.' He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house for I have five brothers that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'

Reflection
Money and power blinded this rich ruler in life and on into death. He never did get it. I'm not sure he even got it after Abraham spoke with him. The rich ruler continued to act as if Lazarus was his servant even in death, ordering him around to help him out.

This great chasm of understanding is present even today, sometimes for you and me. A wide gap of selfish attitudes that bring about a lifetime of seeking money and power and self dependence. We can do this all on our own. Who needs Abraham or Jesus? I'm supposed to succeed through my own hard work, understanding, wisdom, education...

But at some point, hopefully in life we are humbled by some situation, some disease, some way of thinking, even some sin. We are humbled enough to know that we are all beggars. We all need someone else to help us. We can't do this on our own. For sure we need a Savior in Jesus.

So hear the message of Lazarus and the rich ruler now. Know that it's not all about you or me. Know that we need a Savior. Know that God sent Jesus for this very reason. Humble your heart and turn to God.

Prayer
Lord, I give you thanks that you sent Jesus to save me from my poor estate. I give you thanks for the multitude of people who have served in your name and helped me along the way. I can't do this on my own. I need you and I need the help of those you send to me. Likewise, use me to help another as you see fit. I'm anxious to serve you in your Kingdom, today...tomorrow and forever. --- Amen