April 9

Things That Matter

He said to him, “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises  from the dead” (Luke 16:31).

Scripture: Luke 16:19-31

Song: “I Can Only Imagine”

Charles Dickens in his story A Christmas Carol depicts Ebenezer Scrooge as a man consumed with getting what he can while he can. He rarely thinks of others’ needs and certainly not what’s beyond the life he can see and touch.

The rich man in the parable lived that way. He enjoyed every moment getting as much as he could get, ignoring Lazarus and his situation. What a shock it must’ve been after they both died. He never saw it coming. Of course, he never saw things too clearly. Awareness of the frailty and fleeting nature of this life came too late. He longed for his brothers to understand, though. He pleaded that Lazarus might be sent to warn them. There would be no Jacob Marley in this story, however. They would have to decide how they would live. We, though, have someone who shows us what really matters. Jesus is our help. He reveals the Father to us, so we can know Him. He pleads with us to receive God’s mercy and then live out that mercy toward those around us. He loves us unconditionally with a love that compelled Him to the cross, and challenges us to love one another. These things give our lives meaning and significance.

They have eternal impact. Because of Jesus, we can lead lives that look beyond.

Father, thank You for Your grace and for Jesus. Help us to see what matters. In Jesus’ name, amen.