What Jesus Did! 'Where Facades Don't Matter' — Luke 16:22-23

Thursday, September 28, 2023

Merry Christmas!

We pray the Lord blesses you with the grace of Jesus' presence this Christmas!

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[Jesus continued the story of the rich man and Lazarus:] "Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side."
— Luke 16:22-23 NLT

Key Thought

We spend a lot of time investing in "things" that don't ultimately matter. "Things" give us a facade of importance in our earthly sojourn. However, "things" don't go with us when we face God at judgment; all that will matter then is how we used those "things" to bless others. [1] Lazarus was received with God's care into a place of comfort and joy. The uncompassionate rich man faced torment. Let's not let "things," whether they are our own or they are "possessed" by someone else, distract our hearts from what is important.

[1] Matthew 25:34-40.

Today's Prayer

God, please give me the kind of heart that sees through the facades and feeble things of this world. With your Spirit, reset my heart so that it can find its focus on and value in what is truly lasting and worthwhile in your sight. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Luke 12:13-21
  • Luke 12:33-34
  • 1 Samuel 16:7

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 16:22-23 NLT — "Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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