21 March 2019 - the great reversal

Today's Readings

(Audio)

Abraham replied, 'My child,
remember that you received what was good during your lifetime
while Lazarus likewise received what was bad;
but now he is comforted here, whereas you are tormented.

Injustice is going to be set right. The good things of this life matter so much less than the matters of mercy and justice. Lazarus hungered and thirsted after righteousness but is now satisfied. The rich man only hungered for his sumptuous feasts. Lazarus was on his door but he was more interested in fine clothing. So the question to us is who are the poor on our doorsteps, those who we must ignore or step over in our quest for worldly comforts?

We need to learn that seeking our strength in flesh doesn't work in the long run. It hurts ourselves and it hurts others.

Cursed is the man who trusts in human beings,
who seeks his strength in flesh,
whose heart turns away from the LORD.

When we trust in God we not only flourish ourselves but we have fruit to share with those who need it.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose hope is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted beside the waters
that stretches out its roots to the stream:
It fears not the heat when it comes,
its leaves stay green;
In the year of drought it shows no distress,
but still bears fruit.

We have the riches of the gospel. We have a real treasure within our earthen vessels. We have found the pearl of great price. This wealth must be shared. In doing so we imitate Christ.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich (see Second Corinthians 8:9).

We have to be willing to empty ourselves (see Philippians 2:7), not just of money, but of our own self will, in order that these riches may be shared and Jesus may be glorified. It doesn't matter what our abilities are or what knowledge we possess. The Holy Spirit promises to give us words (see Matthew 10:19). He, after all, is the treasure we are truly sharing, not any skill we ourselves possess.

Let us delight in the treasure we have received above all else. Let us ask the LORD for opportunities and grace to share it.