Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Across the gap

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Luke 16:19-31

Jesus tells a story:

"There was a rich man who lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus covered with sores. He longed to eat what fell from the rich man's table. The dogs licked his sores.

"The beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.

"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.'

"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.

"'And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.'"

Abraham was not without compassion, and the rich man continues to ask his help. "Go and tell my five brothers about what happens after death," he asks. But then Abraham changes his tone. He refuses. He says the brothers have enough warning already. The rich man persists, and finally Abraham tells him, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead."

Jesus will soon be killed. And he knows he will be brought back to physical life after three days, because God has told him what will happen. But he does not expect there to be widespread repentance and sharing of the world's goods because of his death and resurrection. Nothing can move the hearts of rich men and women who have become accustomed and attached to their riches.

Jesus' message is more about God's justice than about his grace. Earlier in chapter nineteen Jesus says, "It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law." And as an example close to many men then, and men and women of this day as well, he tells them, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery, and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery."

That puts those of us who have been divorced, and those of us who are wealthy, in the bulls eye. The bull is snorting, and coming for us in a rush. What is Jesus going to do to save us?

His story says ... nothing. There is a chasm between us and him that cannot be bridged from his side. But here is what Jesus has done. He did die, and he was resurrected, and now he stands as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. The wealth I have been too selfish with, the divorce on my record ... are actions I cannot undo. And Jesus stands before my Father to tell him he has taken on the consequences for my actions.

My life changes because of what Jesus has done. It is possible now for me to trust God and not take control of life for myself. His victory over death and sin makes this possible for me. I can go on from my sin and, as Jesus tells me, "sin no more." That is the nature of my new self.

I don't want to play a part in this story of hell and heaven after I die. Now is the time for me to fall on my face before Jesus and know his love has changed life for me forever. Forever. Forever. Forever.

Dry my tears, Lord. I sin and you touch me, and I sin no more. Then I sin again, and you touch me again ... and I sin no more. Thank for your faithfulness, and being patient while you watch it build in me.

Devotions Archive

Across the gap

Thursday, March 16, 2006