Text: Luke 16:24

Further Reading: Luke 16:19-31

“Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’

Luke 16:24 NKJV

MESSAGE

The Bible says even if a man gains the whole world it is not worth the price to pay for His soul (Matthew 16:26). The most valuable asset any man can boast of is His soul, not His wealth or connections. That is the real value of a man. That is why the devil is constantly after the soul of man. The enemy will give anything to see that He captures the soul of a man.

Just as He offered Jesus our Lord the whole world, satan will also offer you the so-called good things of this life. The Bible told us that Christians must be very sober and vigilant because our arch-enemy the devil is furiously going about trying to destroy us (1 Peter 5:8).

Unfortunately, many do not see through the wicked plots of the devil, so they run gullibly into His net not knowing that the devil’s end game will be to steal, kill and destroy their soul. To better understand how precious the human soul is, the Bible told us the tragic story of the rich man in our text and reading of the day.

Although he had money and could afford the best life in his lifetime, he became a beggar in eternity being tormented by the consequence of his sin. Who will think that such a wealthy man would end up begging for a finger drop of water from the one who used to be a beggar?

This shows us that there is a more valuable life other than this and it is eternal. All those who have received Christ automatically become partakers of this life as long as they continue to walk with Christ. They will not perish the Bible says but will have eternal life (John 3:16).

Have you exchanged this life of vanity for the eternal life that Jesus is offering? Or are you still comfortable with and in your sin that you will rather enjoy the vanities of this life and forget your eternal destination?

One thing is sure, those who live for this world can only gain the vanities of this world, but they will be eternal losers. Though they are rich on earth, they will live as eternal beggars. You must make your choice today. Will you live for this world and present life, or Christ?

REFLECTION

For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.

1 Timothy 6:7 NKJV

You will take nothing out of this world, so set your desire on things above and put your store up your treasure in heaven. Use your resources to serve the Lord while you are on earth and they will be credited back to you im eternity.

PRAYER

Father, please give me the grace to use all my resources and talent to advance the cause of Christ on earth.