The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

Today's Reading:

• Luke 16:19 - 17:10

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Luke 16:19 - 17:10
Today I read the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.  In this story there is a rich man who lives in luxury, denying himself nothing.  A poor diseased man named Lazarus laid at the rich man's gate, wishing for scraps - but instead dogs would lick his open sores as he laid there suffering.  Both men died, and Lazarus went to be with Abraham while the rich men went to be with the dead in suffering.  The rich man implored Abraham to let Lazarus come and relieve some of his suffering, and asked him to send Lazarus to his family so that they might repent.

Abraham told Lazarus a few things: First, he said that the divide between the the rich man and Lazarus was a chasm that none could cross.  That serves as a reminder that your state, once you are dead, is permanent.  Abraham also told the man that he had everything he wanted in life with Lazarus had nothing - and thus Lazarus was being comforted while the rich man was in anguish.  I am conflicted about this part of the story -- after all, all my needs are met, as are many of my wants.  Does that mean that I will be in anguish after I die?  I don't think that's quite what this story is saying, and I will say why as I continue.

When the rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to his family, Abraham also refused.  The rich man wanted to warn his family to repent and turn to God.  To me this implies they are in a completely unsaved state to begin with.  Lazarus didn't say to repent and tell them to not indulge themselves - no, he knew that they would wind up with him if they didn't turn to God.  Now, that's not to say that a person who is a Christian should have everything they want -- far the opposite.  But I would assume that if the rich man had turned to God, that he wouldn't allow Lazarus, the man who lay right outside his gate, to remain in suffering and poverty.

There's a lot to be said about that too.  After all, poverty will be a condition of this world until Jesus Christ comes back -- so how do Christians draw the line between helping those who are in need and managing their own lives?  It's a fine line, I think, that every Christian has to make for himself.  I will say this, however -- if there is someone in suffering at your door, you should do all you can to help them.  After all, the Lord brought them to you so that you could help them.

Finally, Abraham makes a point to the rich man.  He says that if the rich man's family did not believe Moses and the prophets, then nothing -- not even a man risen from the dead -- would cause them to believe.  I don't know about you, but for me it's easy to think that if God would just show this person this one thing then they will believe.  But the bible is telling us right here that isn't so.  And if you want more proof, look to Moses and the people of Israel!  How many miracles did the Lord show those people, yet they continued to doubt, and gripe, and debate God's greatness?  These people had the visible presence of God living in their camp, had encountered many many miracles, yet still failed to truly believe.  In the end, I think people will believe what they want to believe, no matter what they are shown.

The Unforgivable Sin - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit

Today's Reading:

• Luke 12:8 -12:34

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Luke 12:8 - 12:34
There were a few topics covered in the verses I read today.  First we are told that we must acknowledge Jesus on earth if we are to be acknowledged in heaven.  That's something to really keep in mind -- we can't privately be Christians, and then act differently to the rest of the world.  We need to acknowledge Jesus to others, so that Jesus will acknowledge us later.

In verse 12:10, we are once again told about the unforgivable sin -- blasphemy against the Holy Spirit.  So far I think I've read and commented on this twice (post1, post2).  I still don't have anymore insight into what that sin actually is.  In my original quick research, it appears to be knowingly  attributing the work of the Lord to that of Satan.  But that's only what I've read from other people.  I really wish I would find more in the bible that will help me to grasp a better understanding.  That will come in due time I guess, for I still have a lot more of the bible to read!

Jesus then talks about greed and possessions.  Verse 12:21 states:

"Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God."

Jesus then goes on to say that we should trust the Lord for provision.  Even if we are running out of food to eat and clothes to wear, we should not worry -- for the Lord will provide.  In 12:15, Jesus says:

"Beware!  Guard against every kind of greed.  Life is not measured by how much you own."

 I still don't know how I feel about wealth and Christianity.  Should we be poor?  Should we be rich?  How does being rich affect our relationship with the Lord?  One thing is for certain; however -- as wealth increases, one needs to constantly reevaluate his or her relationship with the Lord.  We need to make sure that we are still prepared to (1) Recognize that the wealth is not our own, nor our doing -- no matter how hard we have worked.  It is instead a blessing; and (2) Evaluate what condition our soul would be in should we lose everything. 

Remember Where your Blessings Come From

Today's Reading:

• Deuteronomy 7:1 - 8:20
• Proverbs 12:1

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Deuteronomy 7:1 - 8:20
Chapters 7 and 8 of Deuteronomy convey a strong warning to the people of Israel.  In these chapters Moses summarizes the people's struggles with food and water on the journey to the promised land.  Moses reminds the people that the Lord provided them with manna and with water.  Their clothes did not wear out for the entire 40 years, and their feet never blistered or swelled in all of their travels.  The Lord provided for every single need of the Israelites for forty years.   

Moses tells the people what the land that will be theirs is going to be like.  It is going to be overflowing with food and water.  There will be wheat and barley, grapevines, fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey.  They will lack for absolutely nothing.

Moses also tells the people what their lives will be like.  The people will lead blessed lives.  They will be fertile -- we are told that there will be no men or women who are childless (7:14).  They are told that the Lord will protect them from illness and from the diseases that they suffered in Egypt (as a side note, I wonder what those are?).

Moses does have some warnings for the people.  Most of it involves not being drawn up into worship of other gods.  Some of the ways this can happen is by marrying someone who worships for other gods.  For this reason, the people are order not to intermarry with the people of the lands.  They are also told to tear down all the alters, destroy the alters, and to not covet any of the gold coverings of these idols. 

One warning struck higher with me than any of the others, though.  Moses tells them to be careful, when they are happy and wealthy, have fine homes and are prosperous, to remember where these blessings came from. 

The following is a clip from 7:17 - 18

He did all this so you would never say to yourself, 'I have achieved this wealth with my own strength and energy'.  Remember the Lord your God.  He is the one who gives you power to be successful ...

This reminds me that, even though we might have worked with our own hands to obtain our comfort and happiness, none of it would have been possible without the Lord.  We wouldn't even have the power to be successful without the Lord.  Those of us who are highly driven -- and like to attribute our success to being driven, need to remember that it was the Lord who made us this way.  Without the Lord -- we could be driven and we could work hard, yet not gain comfort in our lives.  These chapters are a nice reminder that we need to remember the Lord, even when we are sitting comfortable in our fine houses with plenty to eat.

Proverbs 12:1

To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction.

This verse is a nice reminder to me that this entire bible study project is a lesson in discipline and correction.  After all, I want to study every single word of the bible so that I can learn -- learn how the Lord expects me to live for every minute of my life.  To learn how the Lord wants me to worship him.  To learn how the Lord wants me to treat others.  To learn how the Lord wants me to treat my children.  To learn the history of my religion.  To learn to future of my religion.  To L-E-A-R-N. 

But it's hard to have learning without correction.  While I'm learning all these things, I must apply them to my life and correct my ways.  I must love correction.  And my reward is the wisdom that I gain each and every day, and the ways I change my life to be more pleasing to the Lord.  Thank you, Lord, for giving us your Word.  Thank you for correcting us.

God is Fair; Moses Prepares to Die

Today's Reading:

• Numbers 26:52 - 28:15
  
• Proverbs 11:16 - 17

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Numbers 26:52 - 28:15
God told Moses to divide up the land among tribes.  The divide should be proportional to the population -- so larger tribes received more land than the small tribes, but all was in fair proportions. 

In the beginning of chapter 27, we see a complaint brought before Moses regarding the provisioning of land.  The daughters of Zelophehad were upset because he had died without a son, and thus the remaining family was not entitled to any land.  Moses brought this before the Lord, who said that the daughters should receive their share of inheritance.  Should there be no sons and no daughters, then it goes to his brother instead -- and so on. 

The point I got from these things is that our God is a fair God.  Always, he is fair.  He is fair in punishment (an eye for an eye), He is fair is equal proportions of land; He is fair in that he had multiple tiers of sacrifices that depended on what the person could afford; He is fair when requiring that we all tithe 10%, instead of a set amount that many cannot afford; He is fair in that the family is entitled to inheritance; He is fair in punishment (an eye for an eye) -- He is fair.  He is a fair Lord.  The world is not fair; this life is often not fair -- but the Lord is fair!  I am thrilled that our Lord is a fair Lord.  Thank you, Lord for being fair to your children!

Later in Chapter 27, the Lord tells Moses that he will soon die like Aaron.  Moses asks the Lord to appoint a new leader and the Lord chose Joshua.  Moses transferred some of his power to Joshua, and prepared the people for the change in leadership.  The reading ends with instructions for daily, weekly, monthly and bi-monthly sacrifices. 

Proverbs 11:16 - 17

16  A gracious woman gains respect, but ruthless men gain only wealth.

17  Your kindness will reward you, but your cruelty will destroy you.

Gaining wealth sounds great to so many people.  There are only a select few of us who would not like to gain more wealth than we already have.  But it's not worth it if we're gaining that wealth while being ruthless, or by being cruel.  Wealth is fleeting, this life is fleeting.  Kindness, graciousness, wisdom -- those are the traits we should long to acquire.  The Lord will provide for our needs, and we might even gain wealth that we can enjoy during this first life. But if we're going to gain wealth, lets do it the right way.  Let's be kind and gracious to others, share knowledge and wisdom, and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with all those around us.

Jesus is Anointed with Nard Oil (Giving our Best to the Lord)

Today's Reading:

• Mark 14:1 - 21
  
• Psalm 51:1 - 19

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Mark 14:1 - 21
Today's short passage starts with the preparation plans for the Passover meal.  The disciples asked Jesus where they should go to have the meal prepared.  Jesus gave them a set of exact directions that included following a man who was carrying a pitcher of water to a house and asking the owner of that house for use of a room that would already be prepared.  The disciples followed the directions of Jesus and found everything as they were told.  The preparations for the meal then began.

While the meal was being prepared, a woman anointed Jesus with a very expensive perfume made from the essence of nard.  She poured the entire bottle over his head, much to the indignation of some of the disciples.  They were angry because the bottle, if sold, would have paid a year's worth of wages.  That money, they said, could instead be used to help the poor.

Jesus rebuked the disciples, telling them that the poor would always be among them and could be helped whenever, but Jesus would soon not be among them.  She had also, unbeknownst to her, prepared his body for burial.

I sometimes feel guilty for having all my needs met, all my bills paid, having dependable vehicles to drive, buying something I want, or taking an occasional vacation.  I do tithe, I do give to Christian charities and focus the base of my giving on the poor -- those without homes, those without food, those without basic health care.  I quite enjoy being able to be a blessing to others.

I also wonder, however -- am I supposed to sell it all at once, to give it all to the poor, and move on -- become poor myself and be done with it?  I know Jesus has commanded this of others (Matthew 19:21).  It's a constant battle in my mind.  It's also a question I won't be able to answer until I've read the entire bible through.  I'm a little over one-sixth of the way through, so I still have a long way to go!

I do know, however, that I would not be able to follow my current calling (this blog) if I cut everything down to bare necessities.  I have been there, living in homes that we didn't belong in, lacking food and basic necessities.  I felt lost, I felt like I could never do anything with my life.  Without internet, without a computer, without time -- I wouldn't be able to do what I'm doing today.  I wouldn't be able to give my best to Jesus in this way.

I am certain that if I were back in that situation that the Lord would find another way for me to work for Him, a way that is within means.  This, however, is what I'm called for now.  So for now, until I finish my studies and decide what the bible says to me, I will help the poor always -- and they will always be there to helped.  But at the same time, I will give my best to Jesus, just as the woman who anointed Jesus did -- I will work at spreading His word to the world, in hopes of softening someone's -- anyone's -- heart towards the Lord.

Psalm 51:1 - 19
In this psalm David begs for forgiveness for committing adultery with Bathsheba.  David pleads for the Lord to restore his broken spirit, to look upon his repentant heart and see that he truly is sorry for what he has done.  Verse 51:12 speaks out to me:

Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

In all the times I have prayed to the Lord, I don't think I've ever prayed for Him to make me willing to do something.  I've always prayed that the Lord's will be done, whatever the situation, but never have I prayed Him to change my own will.

When I read that it occurred to me that I could -- and should -- pray to the Lord that He change my will.  The Lord gave me free will, and with my free will I choose the Lord, wholeheartedly.  So why not allow the Lord to change my will so that I can become closer to Him?

Lord, I thank you for allowing me to retain my free will.  Since it is my free will, it is my choice -- and my choice is YOU, Lord.  I pray now that you take the will you gave to me.  I am returning it to you, so that you can do with it what you see fit.  So that you can keep me in alignment with your own will.  So that I can walk closer to you, Lord.  It is now yours -- please take my will and return it to me, infused with YOUR will, Lord.  May YOUR will be done through me Lord, forever.  Amen.

The Worst Sexual Sins; Wealth vs. Salvation

Today's Reading:

• Leviticus 16:29 - 18:30
  
• Proverbs 10:15 - 16

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Leviticus 16:29 - 18:30
Chapter 18 of Leviticus contains a list of detestable sexual sins.  We are told that the Lord is going to vomit the people from the land being given to the Israelites, for those people have done all of those detestable things.  Furthermore, we should never do these things for they are detestable and will defile us.  Here is a summarized list of the sexual acts that are forbidden and the verses in Chapter 18 associated with them:

1. Sexual relations with any close relatives. (6)
2. Sexual relations with your mother or father's wives. (7-8)
3. Sexual relations with your sister, half-sister or step-sister (9, 11).
4. Sexual relations with your granddaughter, or your step-granddaughter (10, 17).
5. Sexual relations with your aunt. (13,14)
6. Sexual relations with your sister-in-law, unless it's your wife's sister and your wife is no longer living. (16,18)
7. Sexual relations with your daughter-in-law. (15)
8. Sexual relations with a woman and her daughter. (17)
9. Sexual relations with your neighbor's wife. (20)
10. Sexual relations with a woman who is on her period (19)
11. Homosexuality (22)
12. Bestiality (23)

I find it odd that having sex with one's daughter isn't listed out.  Of course we have verse 6 that says no close relatives, so that would be covered.  We also have verse 17, which says not to have sex with both a woman and her daughter.  So in most cases that would rule out one's own daughter, unless the wife had died.  We are told not to have sexual relations with our mother, but it doesn't say anything about a woman and her father.  All but one of these verses seemed to be directed to men, however.  The exception was verse 23 that specifically said women should not offer themselves to animals.

The one on this list that stuck out to me the most was #10 -- having sexual relations with a woman on her period (verse 19).  I know quite a few people who have no problem at all having sex while a woman is on her period -- both women and men.  And I wouldn't think to compare that to homosexuality, bestiality or incest.  In my earlier studies I thought not having sex while menstruating was an issue of being unclean, but I see now that it is more than that.  Oh the things we learn when we really sit down to study the bible! 

Proverbs 10:15 - 16
These two proverbs teach of wealth and poverty.  I want to comment on both of these verses, so I will quote them here:

15 The wealth of the rich is their fortress; the poverty of the poor is their destruction.

16 The earnings of the godly enhance their lives, but evil people squander their money on sin.

I don't think it's wrong to be comfortable or even wealthy, as long as (1) it doesn't come between you and the Lord -- it does not become a god to you; and (2) that money is used to enrich your life in a godly way and to be a blessing onto others.  If you use your riches to spend on sinful things, or to squander away, or to hurt people with or hold over their heads, or to make the lives of others difficult then you'd be using it for the wrong purposes.

Likewise, I think it would be hard to have money and not feel secure in yourself and your abilities to take care of yourself.  That's the point where maybe you begin to think that you don't need the Lord to look after you -- you can take care of yourself just fine. And perhaps you neglect to acknowledge where your blessings came from.  It's so easy to say "I" did this instead of sharing the glory with the Lord who paved the way, no matter how hard you worked.  And I think that the Lord blesses those who work really hard, but we can't forget who made us how we are made, and that without Him our lives would have turned out significantly differently, and perhaps we wouldn't have half the blessings that came our way throughout our lives. 

Finally, we can't forget that when we die we will have nothing.  We can't take our riches, our security blanket with us.  We can't protect ourselves there.  We will be naked before the Lord and will be judged accordingly -- there will be nothing to tell us apart based on wealth or status while we lived on Earth.  In Matthew 19:29-30, Jesus warns us:

And everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or property, for my sake, will receive a hundred times as much in return and will inherit eternal life.  But many who are the greatest now will be the least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then.

 These are stern warnings indeed.  Now we know that the Lord often blesses those who are faithful with riches -- think of Abraham, Isaac and Joseph to name a few.  So I truly don't believe that you can't have both wealth and salvation.  We just have to be careful not to let our wealth become us, and to always evaluate our hearts and actions.

Difficulties of Wealth, King of Glory

Today’s Reading:
• Matthew 19:13 - 30
  
• Psalm 24:1 - 10
  

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Matthew 19:13 - 30  
The majority of this reading had to do with people who are wealthy entering the Kingdom of Heaven.  I think that many people believe that becoming wealthy will solve all their problems.  Sure, it will make big things in their lives easier.  So many people struggle just to pay their bills and keep food on their tables and keep the utilities on and keep a roof over their heads.  So yes, of course having wealth does make life easier. 

I think the problem with wealth and salvation is coming to depend on your wealth.  Your wealth might make you powerful in today's world, but Jesus says the following about the times after His return:

many who are the greatest now will be least important then, and those who seem least important now will be the greatest then. (19:30)

You can't buy your way into Heaven.  Likewise, your wealth cannot become more important to you than God is.  Do not let money become your God.  Thou shalt have no other Gods before God almighty, and that doesn't just mean people.  It means anything that becomes more important to you than God is. 

I think it's hard for people who work so hard and work their way up to wealth to remember that they would be nothing without God.  There's a lot to be said for hard work and being self sufficient.  Just don't lose sight of God while you're getting there and once you are there. 

If you lost it all today, where would you stand with God?  Evaluate yourself and evaluate your motives. Because when you die, that's where you are going to be -- standing before the Lord with none of your wealth or possessions to hide behind.  Are you strong enough to stand on your own before the Lord Almighty?


Psalm 24:1 - 10
Psalm 24 tells us to let the King of Glory enter into our hearts.  It says that only those people"whose hands and hearts are pure, who do not worship idols and never tell lies" (24:4) can have a relationship with the Lord. 

I've said it before and I'll say it again -- I know that is true, because I feel the riff each time I choose to sin and then have to come back to the Lord and beg for forgiveness.  I know that intimacy lacks between me and the Lord until I can get myself right with Him again.  I much prefer the feeling of being close to the Lord over sensing the widening of the chasm between us. 

So I must open my gates and let the King of Glory in.  I don't know why I think that any sin is ever worth losing that.  I guess that's the condition of having human flesh.  It's a constant battle, but I intend to come out on top of this one!