This Too Shall Pass

The Rich Man and Lazarus

[19] “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. [20] And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, [21] who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, [23] and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. [24] And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ [25] But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. [26] And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ [27] And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house—[28] for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ [29] But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ [30] And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ [31] He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’” (Luke 16:19-31 ESV)

We can see in this parable a great reminder that this world is temporary. Death doesn't pick and choose...it happens to all of us. But, that is not the case with life, right? Life looks pretty different from one person to the next, and it really does seem like some people have it "easier" in the day to day.  When I am going through a hard time it can be isolating and confusing. Sometimes, life just seems really unfair.

Lazarus was poor and his body was covered in sores. This sounds like a miserable and lonely existence. It makes me think about people I have met throughout my life who have been given a rough lot in life, and just can't catch a break. You know the ones...child victims of abuse who can never seem to recover and escape hardship; kids who grew up in a rough neighborhood and no matter how hard they try, they can't seem to find a way out; your friend who lost their job, then their wife left them, and then they get diagnosed with cancer; or those who, like Lazarus, have a chronic illness that plagues them day by day. These are just a few examples, but this parable doesn't only speak to those situations.

The rich man seemed to have the better lot. He wanted for nothing. He was "satisfied", if you will, in this life. Lazarus was alone, in pain, sick, hungry, and likely shamed and avoided. But none of this matters when this life ends. Lazarus had Jesus! Lazarus had an eternal perspective! The rich man enjoyed his life, and that comfort created a false sense of security.

You know the end of the story. Lazarus is raised up and seated next to Abraham in heaven. The rich man is sentenced to eternity in Hades, in eternal torment.

Take heart church!! No matter what your life throws at you, no matter how difficult, painful, short, long, comfortable or uncomfortable, confusing, lonely, etc. This too shall pass! If you have Christ, then you can hold tight to the truth that you will be raised up and live in ETERNITY WITH HIM! Your lot in this life does not reflect your lot for eternity. Press on. No circumstance of this life can take Jesus away from you when you believe. Find joy in His promises. And rest in His teaching about Lazarus, knowing that no matter what you are going through... This too shall pass.

Share the hope of Jesus with others. Notice that the rich man, once his perspective was changed from earthly to eternal, was begging to have his family warned. Eternal perspective leads to evangelism because no one is guaranteed their next breath. A person's salvation through Jesus is the only guarantee we can count on. 

Church, spend some time today resting in the truth of your eternity and let that speak to your heart. Ask God for joy and contentment with whatever lot you have in this life, knowing that there is no doubt... This too shall pass. 

- Bridget

PS - If you are struggling right now, or if you feel like you've just been given a rough lot, don't go it alone. Submit a prayer request in the church app, and let your brothers and sisters in Christ hold you up. It's what we are here for.