“Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.” (Luke 16:26)

There comes a time when people go too far! They take and take, and when they give, it is grudgingly. In the parable of “The Rich man and Lazarus”, we see a man who had it all yet refused to help even the poorest of poor. What this “rich man” did not stop to think of is the fact that all of us will arrive one day at the same destination…the grave! Jesus said, “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?’ (Mark 8:36) Today there are many like the rich man who believe that their riches will bring them some kind of favor in this life. But this life does not end with the death of our flesh. The writer of the Book of Hebrews wrote, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)

Father Abraham reminded the rich man… “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted, and you are tormented.” (Luke 16:25)  Once in the grave, there is no crossing over to the living. The only thing left will be the torment of judgment in a lost eternity!

So, remember that God will show mercy to the merciful, and let’s be people who practice mercy towards others in need. For in being merciful, we will save our own souls in the process.

Blessings and Godspeed to you all!

~Pastor Mike