There are not two classes of people in life: the have's and the have not's. No big people and little people in God's Eyes. This is a story, not a parable, a parallel about how two men lived their lives.
1.) A Rich Man. The sins of this rich man: Selfish---so living for himself. Rebellious---not listening to the Word of God.
2.) A Poor Man. Here is a godly man who will be happy because he is going to live forever. On earth, he lived his whole life in the midst of adversity and distress and poverty. Wonder if he ever was happy on earth. Wonder why God allows so many to live in such need. Wonder if we miss what life is really about?
Almost half the world — over three billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day. There are 2.2 billion children alive today. One billion live in poverty this day. God has left many in the midst of adversity.
So, what's the teaching of this story for me and for you? The rich man didn't care one iota about the poor man who ate his crumbs under his table. He didn't harm the poor man. He simply could have cared less about him. "Here, have my crumbs; you'll never have my heart." We are all richer than someone in some way, aren't we? How am I living my life that shows that I care about all who come across my path? Those who want to eat my crumbs. Every day, every day, every day, I see people who are overlooked, outcast, one-of-a-kind. I am one of those people. I have a couple of enemies. But the real question is how I treat those who eat my crumbs.
And then, what happens when it's over and death ushers us into I Cor 2:7, our Full Glory? Who will be standing next to us? What family members will be on our street? What friends will be there? And Luke 16:31 assures us that if they are not there, they didn't hear the Word cause they didn't want to. Nothing could convince them otherwise, not even someone rising from the dead. You see, their unbelief is not for lack of evidence, but it's for their lack of heart---their rebellion. They have refused to repent and bow the knee before the Author & Finisher of their life. Oh my! I am so shaken by these verses tonight. So, what will I do, this day, with those who want to eat my crumbs? You know who they are in your life. It's the people and the situations you could care less about.
Go after a life of love as if your life depended on it—because it does.
I Cor 14:1 The Message
I think a lot of people think they are poor and an outcast in society when they are really rich. They just aren't seeing things clearly. Just a couple of minutes ago on GMA I heard a story that said 26% of Americans are giving up their land lines because they are using their cell phones. And there are a lot of people who are not giving up their land lines, so they have both. I bet most of us here are in that category. Everyone on this blog who is able to read this and who are fortunate enough to have a computer are very rich. In my opinion it is definitely a heart and perspective issue. We are all unique and special... and enough.
ReplyDeleteLord, please reassure Bev that she is good enough the way she is. Help her see that she is beautiful to the core and one of smartest people I have come across. Please heal her heart where she has been hurt by people who obviously didn't know You. Help us not to compare our lives with anyone but Yours. Help us see adversity as opportunity to get out of ourselves. Please help us to notice someone today that may need something as simple as a smile.
Hugs, :)
On His way to the cross, Jesus's last line in today's reading is almost haunting. "they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." He knew even then that some still would reject Him, not because they were rich but because their hearts were so hardened and calloused.
ReplyDeleteI pass an old stooped man every day who sells newspapers. He's not begging. He's honestly trying but it's painful to really consider his plight. He looks to be in his late seventies and wears a long shirt, too big pants and a large hat to save him from the scorching Texas sun. I made a point years ago not to open my window because of safety issues and being a woman. Yet, there's no danger to this guy. He's been there on the street corner now years. He deserves more than an awkward glance.
"But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one dot of the Law to become void.
ReplyDeleteDivorce and Remarriage
Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery."
My thoughts on these verses...
Our times are so sad. Divorce is sadly the norm. I offer no judgement or solutions. But as a woman of faith who has faced the heartbreak of a broken marriage, I am so glad that this is not the unforgiveable sin. Marriage is holy and not to be treated disrespectfully. All efforts should be used to work out problems. So many innocent people are hurt by the dissolution of a marriage.
But divorce happens. And Christ is always the welcoming Father waiting with open arms for those who turn to Him.
How proud I am to be God's daughter.
I honor those of you who have withstood every attack against your marriage and survived intact. God intended one man for one woman. Sin breaks. God restores.
The Law still stands. But the Good News has come. Christ receives sinners.