Category: Daily Prayer

25 “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. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
Luke 16:25-26

This is the scary part of the lesson, and it should get our attention. Abraham tells the rich man “between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us”. Once our choice has been made, it is set!

This choice is our and ours alone. God gave us free will that we might decide for ourselves and not be forced to worship Him, but to choose Him of our own volition. The rich man chose to live in luxury without showing compassion for the beggar Lazarus who literally lived on his doorstep. Now he must abide by the consequences of that choice.

Wait, isn’t He the God of the Second Chance? Yes indeed – and our second chance is right now. We must make our choice for Him while we are alive and have the opportunity. Once we stand before Him, the choice is made. Choose to be His child, to represent Him and share His love.

Loving Lord, we know we are often ignorant of the needs of others and selfish in our desires. Help us to see all Your children as brothers and sisters, and share Your wonderful gifts with them. May we always choose Your ways over our own. Amen.

22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.’
Luke 16:22-24

As in many of His parables, Jesus warns that there will be a reckoning for our lives. We will be judged not by each other, but by God Himself, and we will be called to account for our treatment of each other. Lazarus the beggar is now comforted in Heaven while the rich man suffers.

This leads the rich man to ask Father Abraham to send Lazarus to help him, help he was apparently unwilling to give Lazarus when they lived side by side. He now knows what it is like to need help and not receive it. Jesus warned that “the last shall be first and the first shall be last” (Matthew 20:16).

We should help each other due to our love of God, not merely to avoid punishment, but Jesus says there will be judgement – Matthew 25:32-34 tells us He will separate us according to our obedience to His teaching and our care for each other. May we be obedient and caring as He was.

Heavenly Father, we often miss the opportunity to help those around us because we don’t pay attention. Help us to see the needs of others and use the gifts and resources we have been given for the good of all Your children. Amen.

19 There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 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.’ 25 “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. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Luke 16:19-31

I’m going to post the entire lectionary passage at the beginning of the week from now on so you can see how the lesson goes, but continue discussing only a few verses in the devotional each day. Let me know how this works for you by commenting here or on my FaceBook post or @pastordougolson (Twitter) or doug@pastordougolson.com (email).

Jesus begins a parable that sounds like another rich man – poor man story. In verses 19-21 He mentions the difference in their living conditions, and that Lazarus apparently lives just outside the rich man’s gate. This should give us a clue that the rich man can’t be unaware of Lazarus’s presence or his condition.

Jesus teaches us to be aware of what goes on right outside our gate as well, that we must pay attention to the needs of our brothers and sisters. Sometimes we are more interested in the issues in far off places than in what is happening just down the street. While we must not ignore world issues, we cannot neglect those closest to us.

We have all been gifted differently to care for each other. You have a unique, God-given skill that can benefit those around you. Think about the difference you can make right here, right now.

Loving Lord, we are called to be in ministry to those around us, using Your gifts for the good of all. Help us to see the needs that exist and how we can serve others in Your name. Amen.

In our scripture this week (Luke 16:1-13), Jesus has given us an example not to follow, the story of the dishonest manager. His lesson teaches us about our desire for money and material possessions, and the effect it has on our relationships with others and with God. He tells us plainly “You cannot serve both God and money” (verse 13).

Jesus shows us how worldly people behave, squandering the gifts they have been given and always wanting more than they have. He also warns against the kind of unethical behavior in which the manager and the rich man are engaged. He teaches that our greed comes between us and God, comparing it to trying to serve two masters and warning that we can choose only one.

When we choose to chase earthly wealth, power and success, we focus on these things and neglect our connection to the Lord. God wants us to be happy and successful, but He also want us to see that everything we have is a gift from Him to be used well for the good of His kingdom. When we put ourselves first, we fail to be good stewards of our resources and we miss out on the joy of a loving relationship with God and our brothers and sisters. Don’t let the temporary satisfaction of wealth here keep you from the eternal joy that awaits us as His faithful servants!

Gracious God, we are thankful for all the richness You provide and for the opportunity to be part of Your work in creation. Help us to see that our gifts and wealth are not something to be selfishly kept for ourselves but kingdom treasure to be used for the good of all Your children. Amen.

Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’ “The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg— I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’ “So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ “‘Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’ “Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’ “‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied. “He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’ “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light. I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings. “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own? “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”
Luke 16:1-13

This parable can be a little confusing. We have heard about a dishonest manager working for a rich man, who apparent follows the same dishonest business principles. Is this a story where the bad guy is the “hero”?

It certainly isn’t, and Jesus shows us how such people treat each other – “For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light” (verse 8). It is a warning against such behavior, that those who follow Jesus are expected to love one another and not take advantage of each other.

The larger lesson is our relationship with wealth and how it can affect our relationship with God. Jesus says “You cannot serve both God and money” (verse 13). He doesn’t say money is evil, He doesn’t say that those who have money are evil – He does say that if money becomes the most important thing in your life, you have a problem. We must always put God and others first, and keep our desires for wealth in check.

Gracious God, all good gifts come from You. Help us to appreciate our many blessings and our connection to You above any earthly thing. Amen.

No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Luke 16:13

Jesus closes this lesson with the main point – God must be first and foremost in our lives. Our love of earthly things distracts us from loving our God “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deuteronomy 6:5). Money and the power and possessions it can bring is an idol we must not worship.

When we allow our desire for anything to become more important than our relationship with God and others, we turn our backs on the blessings we have been promised. God wants so much to love and care for us, but only if we are willing to love and obey in return. Following our own selfish ways can never give the satisfaction that an eternal connection to God provides.

Are we chasing temporary rewards at the cost of our salvation? The things of earth shall pass away, but God’s plan is forever. Let go of the things that seem attractive now to hold on to the gifts God has reserved for you.

Loving Lord, we are often slow to see the blessings You have in store for us. Help us to renounce our love of worldly riches that we may inherit the heavenly treasure prepared for us. Amen.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much. So if you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches? And if you have not been trustworthy with someone else’s property, who will give you property of your own?”
Luke 16:10-12

Jesus points out a very important fact about human behavior – “whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much” (verse 10). It’s a sad truth, but a truth none the less. I say to myself “it’s just a little thing, I would never do anything largely dishonest!” Unfortunately that’s our failing, we don’t see the little things as the first steps on the wrong path.

Perhaps each of these little things are relatively unimportant by themselves, no one is harmed and life goes on. The problem is a pattern of repeated behavior, and humans are creatures of habit. Each of these acts are like a grain of sand and many grains of sand will eventually be a truckload!

Jesus warns us that being dishonest, even a little, can lead to a life of dishonesty. The manager in this parable probably didn’t start the job saying “I can’t wait to start acting dishonestly!” As with many of our sins, it happens little by little, step by step. Don’t take that next step! Turn and step confidently into His forgiveness and love.

Heavenly Father, we are sorry when we fail to act honestly, behaving in ways that shame us and separate us from Your purpose for our lives. Help us to be strong in the face of temptation and always rely on Your strength and wisdom, not our own. Amen.

“Then he asked the second, ‘And how much do you owe?’ “‘A thousand bushels of wheat,’ he replied. “He told him, ‘Take your bill and make it eight hundred.’ “The master commended the dishonest manager because he had acted shrewdly. For the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.”
Luke 16:7-8

There should be a kind of shock to us in verse 8 – the master commended the dishonest manager for committing the very acts which were going to cost him his job! How does one accused of a crime avoid the consequences by recommitting the same crime? The world often applauds those who find ways to succeed, even when the means are less than honorable.

Jesus holds up this example to warn us that the world is not always fair and we must keep our earthly desires in check lest we slip into their acceptance of this behavior. He warns that “the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.” This is an indication that those who follow Him must continue to be children of light in a dark world, sharing God’s love even with those who are “shrewd”.

Do we allow, or worse applaud, successful endeavors even if they use questionable methods? We must be careful to examine ourselves and not merely point out the poor behavior of others. We must love the Lord more than any possession and know that only through Him can we hope to gain those things that have eternal value.

Gracious God, it is Your love reaching for us that keeps us aware of Your promise. Help us to be more concerned with our relationship with You and others than human success or wealth. Amen.

“The manager said to himself, ‘What shall I do now? My master is taking away my job. I’m not strong enough to dig, and I’m ashamed to beg— I know what I’ll do so that, when I lose my job here, people will welcome me into their houses.’ “So he called in each one of his master’s debtors. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ “‘Nine hundred gallons of olive oil,’ he replied. “The manager told him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly, and make it four hundred and fifty.’
Luke 16:3-6

Jesus continues the story of the accused manager, detailing the plan this man makes to be able to survive after he loses his job. He conspires with those who owe money to his boss to lessen their debt so that they will be generous to him later. This seems to indicate that he was in fact mishandling the accounts with which he had been entrusted.

We all understand the issues that come with a financial setback or loss of employment. It is frightening to be without the means of supporting ourselves and those we love. However, this man immediately turns to unethical means to resolve the problem, without calling on God for help and using the gifts given us to find a solution that does not compromise our relationship with God and others.

How do we react when we are faced with difficult situations? Are we tempted to take the easy way out, rather than admitting we may have been wrong or being humble enough to ask for help? God has given us the means and the responsibility to deal with the problems of our lives. Turning to Him is always the first step.

Gracious God, we are grateful for the gifts You give to enable us to live and work in our world. Help us to see our problems in the light of Your love and work to solve them in connection with You. Amen.

Jesus told his disciples: “There was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. So he called him in and asked him, ‘What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your management, because you cannot be manager any longer.’
Luke 16:1-2

The beginning of this parable leads us in several directions – our concern for and engagement with wealth, and the possibility of losing it. We all need to be gainfully employed, not only to provide for our families but because it is our nature to feel useful and needed. No matter what we are doing, most people want to be productive.

This story introduces us to a man who is about to lose his job, whether by false accusation or due to his own mismanagement. It certainly gives us pause to think of ourselves in such a situation. The loss of income is a primary concern, but the accompanying emotions of being unemployed or underemployed can be just as damaging.

As the rest of this parable unfolds, we will learn more about our relationship with wealth and with others. Are we more concerned with our income and status than caring for others? Does our money or our possessions cause us to neglect our connection to God? Jesus has more to teach us about this – we must be careful to love God and people more than things.

Loving Lord, we are blessed by Your gifts that enable us to support ourselves and our families. Help us to value Your creation above earthly things, sharing our blessings with those who are in need. Amen.