READ: LUKE 16: 19-31
“But Abraham said, If they won’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, they won’t be persuaded even someone who rises from the dead.” (V. 31)
Last year on February 6, my wife and were not in Florida for our annual snowbird escape. She had suffered a serious COPD exacerbation and was hospitalized for a week. We were just hoping for a recovery that would restore her breathing back to a reasonable level. Recovery proceeded slowly. She had to learn to deal with a “new normal” breathing pattern requiring her to make the most of every bit of oxygen she could generate from her weakened lungs. Her fighting spirit; the prayers of many; and her unshakeable faith in God have me writing this devotion from the deck of our Florida rental. In addition, God has provided unbelievable weather—temps in the mid-seventies and extremely low humidity—simply ideal for her condition! This is just a small sample of all the blessings God has provided for us over the course of our 57 years together, which is also a blessing!
Remembering the source of our blessings can quickly vanish when life is proceeding on a high note. We often place too much credit on our own hard work, discipline and sacrifice, forgetting that we were created and gifted by God. Thanksgiving gets relegated to a few days of family get-togethers over turkey dinners in November. Then our lives become focused on plans for the upcoming holiday season and the New Year. Thankfulness to God is then superseded by tax season, vacation planning and other earthly concerns that govern our lives. But leave it to Jesus to get our attention with a teaching moment that brings us back to reality. Maybe we are the rich man who forgets the true source of his wealth. It was not his wealth that caused him to go hell, but the fact that he ignored sharing his blessing with the poor and suffering Lazarus lying at the gate to his house every day. The story is a poignant reminder, from Jesus, that we need to be thankful for our blessings and also use them to bless others. Before you begin to pat yourself on the back for thanking God, stop and ask yourself how you are using your blessings to serve other in Jesus’ name!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
God and the healing hands of Jesus are the reason my wife and I are able to enjoy our time in Florida. We do not take this for granted and continually offer praise to Him. But we are also humbly reminded to share our blessings with others as we strive to live for Christ. What do you need to thank God for today and where is Lazarus waiting for you?
Dear Jesus, thank you for the blessings and love flowing over us like a never-ending waterfall. Help us share them with others bringing thanks to You and The Father.