17

Jump Start # 2391

Posted on July 17, 2019 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2391

1 Thessalonians 1:5 “For our Gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.”

 

Often the power of the message is lost in the fog of the messenger. We can be so enamored with the preacher that we do not even hear the message. This has always been a calling card of cultic religions. They are led by charismatic personalities that gather a following. Their crooked and misguided messages are believed because the masses are in awe of the messenger, who often claims to be a prophet.

 

Paul said, “you know what kind of men we proved to be among you.” The example of Paul and these preachers illustrated the message that they were preaching. There is an old saying, “The proof is in the pudding.” I have no idea what that means, but here the message and the messenger complimented each other. They saw the message being lived in the lives of the messengers. This had an impact upon this young church. They obeyed the message and they imitated the messengers. They in turn became living examples for others.

 

This is in great contrast to what Jesus said of the Pharisees. He told the disciples, “all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for they say things and do not do them” (Mt 23:3). What they were saying and what they were doing didn’t match. They’d preach a good sermon, but they wouldn’t live that sermon. Their actions were proving what kind of men they were. They proved that they really didn’t believe what they were telling others.

 

I love that statement of Paul, “what kind of men we proved to be.” Our actions speak louder than our words. Our family, those who are so close to us, know what kind of people we really are. They hear the words from our lips. They witness our attitudes and our complaining. They see what we do. We prove what kind of people we are.

 

In many ways this is what Peter tells Christian women who were married to non-believers. He said, “even if any of them are disobedient to the word they may be won without a word by the behavior of their wives” (1 Pet 3:1). These Christian women proved what kind of people they were.

 

Think about some areas of application:

 

First, at work. There may be co-workers that you have tried to get into a Bible study or invite to services but they do not seem interested. Yet, day after day, without realizing it, they see you, hear you and witness your attitude and spirit. You are proving what kind of person you are. They see that you do not compromise. They see that you are kind. They see that you do not like potty talk and gossip. They see that you walk away from stories about smut. You talk complimentary of others. You bring up the Lord in your conversation. You love worship. In time, when one needs advice, they may turn to you. In time, when they are discouraged, they may turn to you. You have “proven” the kind of person that you are. While some may mock you and not include you, there are many others that respect you and admire the faith that you carry dear in your heart. You have shown them what a Christian looks like.

 

Second, at home. There are little ones that look to you. They know better than to put food in their mouths before a prayer is said. They know honesty is expected at all times. They understand that one can have fun without breaking rules. In time, it is you that they will come to when life tumbles in on them. When hearts are breaking, they will look to you to help heal them. You have proven yourself among them. And, even among the extended family, our parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, they have come to know how to act around you. They may not agree with you, but they know where you’ll be come time for services. They know not to bring alcohol into your home. They know certain words are off limits. You have proven yourself among them. And, in time, it is you that many will turn to when there is a death. They know you will know what to say. They know that you will have answers. You have proven yourself. You know God and they see that.

 

Third, among brethren. You have shown yourself to be dependable, responsible and one that will follow the Lord. You have shown yourself to be a believer of God’s word. You have proven that you put the Lord first in your life. You have sacrificed for the Lord and have shown a deep concern for the people of God. You have proven to be a listener with a compassionate heart. You have shown yourself to be dear to the Lord. The brethren recognize this in you. In time, they call upon you to help out. It may be in teaching. It may be in leading. The reason being, you have proven yourself. You don’t fly off the handle. You are considerate. You walk with the Lord. Years of service has made you one of the pillars of the congregation. Folks trust your insight and your wisdom. They can talk easily to you.

 

Finally, the Lord knows you. You have proven yourself. You have remained faithful to Him. You have been steadfast. You have been a worker in the kingdom. Through life’s ups and downs, you have stayed close to the Lord. His word has guided you. Your heart has talked to Him daily. You have let your light shine, the best you can. And, someday, when the Lord comes, He’ll have no trouble recognizing you because your colors will be true.

 

We have proven ourselves. Now, think about that. Some have proven that they can’t make it to all the services in week. Not just this week, any week. Some have proven that they can’t keep a secret. Some have proven that they you can’t trust them. Proven…We have proven ourselves.

 

What do people know about you? What you’ve done has proven it to them. Your words and your actions need to be the same.

 

Something to think about…

 

Roger

 

16

Jump Start # 2390

Posted on July 16, 2019 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2390

1 Samuel 16:11 “And Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Are these all the children?’ And he said, ‘There remains yet the youngest, and behold his is tending the sheep.’ Then Samuel said to Jesse, ‘Send and bring him; for we will not sit down until he comes.’”

 

Our verse today is the connection between David and Samuel. Saul was the king but God was finished with him. He disobeyed God repeatedly throughout his reign. A new king was to be appointed and it would be David. Samuel knew the family but not the specific person who God was choosing. Jesse, David’s father, had several children. Three sons are named. A total of seven sons appear before Samuel. None of them are the choice. There remained one more, the youngest, and probably, the least likely of the bunch, David.

 

David wasn’t in the house. He was in the fields tending the sheep, which tells us that Jesse was probably not a wealthy man. Watching sheep is something that hired men could do, not sons. And, very likely, each of Jesse’s sons, took turns watching the sheep until the next one was old enough to take his place. And, now, there is David, the youngest. It’s his turn and he’s out with the sheep.

 

There is layered here several lessons for us.

 

First, the oldest aren’t always the best, the tops, nor the chosen. Side by side, David’s older brothers likely had more knowledge, experience and would be better picks. Even Samuel thought the oldest would be the one. But often that’s not the case. God was looking at hearts, not size, not strength, nor years on the job. Some of us have gotten older through the years, but we haven’t gotten any better.

 

Even in the church this generational difference can be an issue. Although the office and the term “elder” implies years and experience, that doesn’t discount the heart of some who are younger. Paul told Timothy to not let others look down upon his youthful age. Instead, he was to be an example. In faith, heart and behavior, Timothy was to show others by his life, what all should be doing. Young and dumb is not only insulting, but it would question the wisdom of God in choosing a young David. Fresh ideas can bring life to an old, stale congregation, if it is allowed. Some church buildings I’ve been in would make great episodes for a hoarder show. Some congregations are acting as if we are still in the 1960’s. We certainly will never change God’s message, but the methods we use and the way we try to attract folks certainly needs some serious looking at. And, often, those very ideas do not come from the top down, but from the bottom up. It’s not the older folks, who can be stuck in their ways, but the younger ones who are eager to get things going. It was the youngest, not the oldest of Jesse’s children that was chosen by God.

 

Second, David’s brothers all had the same opportunities as he did. We are not talking about people from different families or different countries. They came from the same dad and likely they all tended the sheep at one time in their lives. David used that time to grow his faith. He cared for the sheep with tenderness and compassion. He fought to protect those sheep from wild animals. I think about a few of the summer jobs I had in high school and in college. Several of them I hated. I spent way too much time wishing I was somewhere else and wishing I had a better job. Watching sheep isn’t something that is exciting. The shepherd is alone. No one to talk to. No cell phones. No tablets to entertain you. No earbuds. David made his own music with his harp. He honed his skills as a hunter with the sling shot. Little did he know that the harp would put in in the palace one day and his sling shot would put him before a giant. So many of the Psalms are written as if someone is outside looking at the stars at night. As David did that, he wasn’t day dreaming, he wasn’t pouting because there was no one else in the family to take his place in the fields. He was thinking about God. His heart was opened to God. He used that time to connect, grow and build his faith.

 

There are many tasks that we do in a week that doesn’t take a lot of brain power. Mowing the yard is pretty simple. Running the vacuum, washing dishes, folding clothes, all of them can be done without intense mental energy. While we are doing those things, where is our minds? Great times to pray. Great times to focus upon good things. Great times to be thankful. Great times to pull thoughts Heavenward. That’s David. God saw that. His brothers could have, but they didn’t. Now, I wonder if we do?

 

Third, David’s brothers were passed over by God. There wasn’t anything there that impressed God. God was looking at the hearts and he kept looking and looking. He knew what was in David’s heart. David was the one God wanted. This is not to say that David’s brothers were bad, wicked or evil. They didn’t have the heart of God like David did.

 

It’s not uncommon for a congregation to look over the men in the group to select deacons and shepherds. Some men are not even considered. They may be of age, but there’s nothing there. There’s no outstanding spiritual qualities. They come but for some that’s about it. Now, some, when it is announced that men will be selected, suddenly polish themselves up real good and try to out shine the others, but it’s too late. Either a person has the heart or they don’t. Pretending or even faking doesn’t work.

 

There was something in young David’s heart that caught the eye of God. I wonder if such is in your heart? Are you living daily as God would want? Are you making the right choices every day? Are you showing compassion for others? Do you walk with the Lord? God sees those things. Those are the things that catches the attention of not only Heaven, but God’s people.

 

Samuel asked, “Are these all the children?” Is this it? Slim pickins’ we might say. No all stars here. Run of the mill, plain ole’ average people, but nothing that is catching the eye of God. Noting “kingly” in this bunch. And, we must wonder, if you and I were standing in that line, would God had noticed anything about us? It didn’t start when David walked into that house. It was already there. God saw it when David was alone in the fields. What is God seeing when you are alone?

 

The heart is what God is interested in. The heart of faith.

 

Roger

 

15

Jump Start # 2389

Posted on July 15, 2019 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2389

Jonah 2:1 “Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from the stomach of the fish.”

 

On Mondays, we are running a series on Jonah. This follows a series of sermons I’m preaching this month from Jonah. These Jump Starts are not intended to be a repeat of Sunday’s sermon, but they follow the direction that I am going.

 

Our verse today comes from the belly of the fish. It is here that Jonah prays. It is here that he prays for the first time in this book. The first chapter showed us a very violent storm that scared the pagan sailors. They were praying and Jonah was sleeping. He was told to pray. There is no indication that he did. He told the sailors to toss him overboard. That would stop the storm. Jonah knew that this wasn’t just any ordinary storm. God was behind it. God was chasing Jonah. The running prophet had no indication or reason to believe that he would survive being tossed overboard. This was a death wish. Jonah would rather die than go to Nineveh. With great reluctance and fear the sailors toss Jonah in to the sea. The storm stopped. Those on the boat pray and offer sacrifice to God. A conversion took place.

 

And, for Jonah, he sank into the deep. Seaweed wrapped around his head. He was sinking down in the water and sinking away from God. Then, this great fish swallows Jonah. This wasn’t luck, good fortune or a coincidence. This was all by design. Everything was coming together just as God planned it. The fish was in the right spot and it was developed not to chew, digest, or consume Jonah. God was in control.

 

Our verse takes place from the belly of this fish. I don’t think it’s fair to imagine Disney’s Pinocchio, sitting in a boat, with a candle lit inside a whale. That’s much too comfortable. The scene would have been horrific for most of us. First, it’s dark. Jonah has been in the water, there are no matches, flashlights, or cellphone lights with him. Second, it’s confining. I doubt Jonah could stand up. Even if he could, it would be so slippery and wet, that he couldn’t do it. All around is wet, slimy stuff that he touches but can’t see what it is. Third, the smell would be enough to make most of us barf. This is a sea creature. Who knows what it swallowed along with Jonah. There is a store near our church building. I often pop in there in the mornings to grab some muffins for breakfast. I walk past the sea food counter just as they are putting out stuff. That smell is enough to make me run. Fourth, this fish is swimming. Up and down, and in darkness, Jonah is probably tossed about on the inside and having all kinds of slimy stuff running into his face. This was Jonah’s home for three days.

 

Now, there are some powerful lessons that come from the second chapter.

 

First, Jonah prayed. It looks like this is Jonah’s second prayer. His first prayer is implied. It was prayed when he was sinking in the ocean. Death was certain. He is swallowed and now he prays again. Jonah has reason to believe that God hears him. Jonah has reason to think that God hasn’t given up on him. What a terrible place to pray from. Yet, some of us have prayed from a jail cell. We may have prayed while sitting in a hospital bed awaiting surgery. I have prayed many times in a funeral home. God is not like our cell phones. There are places we can’t use our phones. There are times when there isn’t enough bars to get reception. Not with God. From the belly of a fish, from the depths of the sea, Jonah was praying.

 

Second, Jonah doesn’t pray to be released from the fish. I would have. Jonah sees the fish as salvation. The fish isn’t God’s punishment. The fish is the boat God sent. The fish is considered the answer to his prayers. Rather than let Jonah drown, God sent this fish. And, swallowed, Jonah was still alive. He was conscience. He was aware of what was going on. Jonah knows that the fish could have eaten him and killed him. But there he is, alive. The fish was God’s way to get Jonah back to land. God wasn’t finished with Jonah and Jonah had the confidence that somehow God would get him back to land. Jonah is thankful for the fish.

 

Now, that’s hard to understand for us. Had God sent a cruise ship, I could understand this. But in the belly of a fish? And, not for a three minute amusement ride, but for three days. Sea sick, stinking, dizzy, in total darkness for a long time, nothing to drink but sea water and nothing to eat but slime and then to be thrown up on dry land. Have you ever really looked at throw up. Yuck! The smell is enough to make one sick. And Jonah is covered in that as he is spit out on the land.

 

Third, for three days Jonah had time to think. He had time to pray. He had time to consider his ways. God was giving him a second chance. Why couldn’t Jonah give Nineveh a second chance? It was God who was going to forgive Nineveh, not Jonah. It was God who Nineveh sinned against, not Jonah. One of the things that I do not like about our times today is that we do not consider, reflect, observe or meditate. We have TVs, phones and tablets to keep us occupied. We have no moments in which we are alone with just our thoughts and reflections upon what we have done. We become numb to our ways. We become blind to what we say. For Jonah, there was no one to talk to except God. For Jonah, there was no one who knew where he was but God. Joseph in a pit. Daniel in a lion’s den. Paul in a prison. You don’t have to be in the worst ways to consider your ways. While driving alone in your car, drive in silence with your thoughts. Think about your day. Think about what you said to others. Think about where you are with the Lord. You don’t have to be in the belly of a fish to see the true picture of things. Maybe the reason we don’t change much is because we don’t consider our ways very much. We fill our days with material things and superficial things that hide the fact that we are often running from God. We look at our 401, the square footage of our house, the cars in our garage and convince ourselves that we are doing pretty good. But is there that person we refuse to talk to? Is there someone that we won’t forgive? Is there someone that we ought to invite to services, but we don’t? Are there attitudes we hold that are not godly? Could we help others, but we can’t let go of our money? Could it be that we run from God’s commands just as fast as Jonah? Maybe we don’t see it because we are not in the belly of a whale. Maybe we don’t think about those things and convince ourselves that we are pretty good, in fact better than most.

 

Fourth, Jonah finally turned to God. That’s the pivotal point of the second chapter of Jonah. The running prophet is no longer running. He can’t run. He’s splashing about inside the belly of a giant fish. And, he’s glad to be there. He’s glad that he’s not dead. For the prodigal, it took feeding pigs to turn him. And, what will it take for you? A car accident? A job loss? Having your kids tell you, “Why won’t you play with us?” Having the shepherds of the congregation ask you why you don’t do more spiritually? Jonah was not a pagan. He was a prophet of God. He was a prophet who wasn’t thinking like God thinks. He was a prophet who didn’t like some people. He was a prophet with a problem. That ought to tell us that preachers are not perfect and somedays we need to listen to what we are preaching more than anyone else. It tells us that shepherds sometimes need to turn to God. Just because we are a Christian, doesn’t mean that we are where we need to be. We are a work in progress and for some of us, we are a real work. Some of the most cruel things I have ever heard have come from the lips of Christians. There are times when pagans act more spiritual than we do. They can be praying and we are sleeping. They are seeking and we are playing around. They are asking questions and we aren’t thinking. Maybe it’s time we turned to God as well. Maybe we’ve convinced ourselves that we don’t need to. But this book shows us that a prophet of God certainly needed to turn.

 

From the belly of a fish…no complaints. No shouting. Just prayers…

 

Roger

 

12

Jump Start # 2388

Posted on July 12, 2019 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2388

Luke 4:5 “And he led Him up and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.”

 

Our verse today comes from the temptations of Jesus. The Holy Spirit wanted us to know about this. None witnessed this other than Jesus and Satan. No apostles were present. No multitudes sat on the sidelines cheering Jesus on. Just Jesus and the devil. So often, that’s just how temptations work. In a church building full of people singing hymns to the Lord, Satan doesn’t seem to bother us very much. But late at night, and all alone, he sure can come knocking on the doors of our hearts. Remember King David, standing alone on his roof top. Temptation was strong.

 

Not only was Jesus tempted, but He was tempted as we are, yet without sin. He never opened the door for Satan to come in. And, this context is left as an example for us. Jesus didn’t pull a miracle out to overcome Satan. He didn’t use some supernatural wisdom. He had what you and I have, the word of God. And, three times, this was the choice of Jesus to deal with Satan. God’s word is stronger than Satan. Not only did Jesus know the Scriptures, but He believed in the Scriptures and He stood with the Scriptures.

 

Our verse has an interesting expression at the end. Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. That, “in a moment of time,” is what catches our attention today. It often doesn’t take a long time, but just a moment. And, in that moment, things can change.

 

In a moment of time, Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit.

In a moment of time, Cain killed Abel.

In a moment of time, Esau sold his birthright.

In a moment of time, Jesus caused the blind to see.

In a moment of time, the jailer in Philippi became a Christian.

 

But there are some profound applications that you and I need to remember about a moment in time.

 

  1. In just a moment of time, we can say something that will scar someone for a lifetime. In our anger, we can say things that should never be said. Later, we can apologize, but the damage has been done. Feelings have been hurt. Friendships have become strained and even ruined. Time marches on, but some will always remember what we said. Because of what we said, some may never become a Christian. Because of what we said, some may never trust us again. It took just a moment in time, but that’s all that is necessary for damage to be done.

 

  1. In a moment of time a person can lose their purity. Sexual relations outside of marriage is about as common as breathing anymore. It’s in the movies. It’s in the music. It’s on TV. No big deal, some would say. But God says to flee fornication. God tells us to be holy as He is holy. This is why wise couples who are dating will not be alone in private places very much. Temptation can be strong. Passions can run ahead of good judgment and sense. And, before one realizes it, they have crossed the line. Sin has occurred. Again, one can receive forgiveness and one can apologize, but there is no do overs here. Purity is a one time thing. Once it is lost, it cannot be regained. Far too many high schoolers and college students learn this the hard way. Once a person has given themselves to someone else, there is nothing else to give. When they meet that one special person that they want to marry, they have already given away the greatest gift they have, themselves. In just a moment of time, this can happen. Certain movies, certain TV shows ought to be off limits to those who are serious about their faith. We often don’t have temptation knocking on our doors, instead, we run down the street chasing it, like an ice cream truck. You are giving the devil a formal invitation into your heart when you dress immodestly, pour impure thoughts into your mind, and hang around those who have no moral compass in their lives. Is it any wonder, that in just a moment of time, that purity is lost?

 

  1. In just a moment of time you can be cast into eternity. Many start their day as if it was just a plain ole’ everyday kind of day, not knowing that it will be their last day. So quickly one’s life can come to an end. It happens all the time. Car accidents. Work accidents. Disasters. Storms. Crime. Violence. Sudden health issues. And, just like that, they pass through that door called death and there is no coming back. That door swings one direction. Don’t pay attention to all those books about folks who claimed they died and came back. Biblically, untrue. People do not just come back from the dead. It doesn’t happen in these days.

 

And, five minutes, if that long, after one passes through that door of death, they will realize that Jesus was right. They will realize that their choices in life have put them where they are. They will realize that on the other side things are so different. You can’t do what you want on the other side. Day and night, time and seasons, mean nothing on the other side of that door. And, all our stuff, and accomplishments, and trophies, and degrees, and travels, and names we can drop, won’t matter at all on the other side. Those things do not impress God. All that will matter is whether or not we believed and walked with the Lord on this side of the door. Oh, on the other side, everyone will believe. On that side, everyone will want to walk with the Lord. But what matters is this side of the door. Today, matters. Yesterday, mattered. Did I pray? Did I honor God? Did I try to help others see Jesus? Did I walk faithfully with the Lord? This side determines the other side.

 

And, in just a moment of time, all that can come to a quick end. This is why we must talk to our friends and family about Jesus. This is why we must get serious about our faith. This is why playing church is a smoke screen that God sees through. This is why knowing the Lord matters. Just like that, and we can be on the other side. And, like the children’s game, “Ready or not,” there we will be, ready or not. You won’t get another day to make things right. You won’t be allowed to come back and say what ought to be said. Once you’ve gone through that door, you are finished with this place. Memories and footprints are all that will be left.

 

So, what if yesterday was your last day? What if you went through that door yesterday? Are you ready? You better get there. In just a moment of time, you may be on the other side.

 

Things we really need to think about…

 

Roger

 

11

Jump Start # 2387

Posted on July 11, 2019 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 2387

Luke 16:22 “Now it came about that the poor man died and he was carried away by angels to Abraham’s bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.”

I’ve had this verse on my mind lately. A couple of days ago I wrote about a dear brother in Christ named Terry. Terry passed away the morning that Jump Start came out. He died early in the morning. Just about the same time Terry passed through the doorway of death, a preacher in Texas was also passing away. He had been severely injured in a car accident and didn’t survive. I got to thinking about this the other night while lying in bed. From a hospital in Louisville and a hospital in Texas, two righteous souls, at about the same time, were carried by angels to their rest in paradise.

Now, all of that started a series of thoughts, questions and curiosities to my mind.

  • Is it just one angel that carries the souls of the righteous? It takes more than a couple of hours for me to fly from Louisville to Texas. But angels, they could travel that distance in no time. Or, does each righteous soul have it’s own transporting angel?
  • Do the angels wait until we cross through the doorway of death, or are they with us as we die?
  • How do the wicked get where they are going?
  • How long does it take to get from here to Paradise?
  • Does a person see earth getting smaller and smaller in the distance?
  • What does it feel like to be carried by angels?
  • Do we realize that we are being carried by angels? Or, is it like a child that falls asleep and his father carries him and puts him in bed. When he wakes up, he’s in bed. He didn’t realize his father had carried him. Will it be like that?

Now, most of you are probably thinking, ‘You should just go to sleep and stop all of this wondering,’ but those thoughts are there. And, what’s even more troubling is that the Scriptures do not answer these questions. And, if the Scriptures do not answer these, we know all the stories people have claimed about seeing lights and floating are not true. Don’t trust the unproven words of man.

Why did Jesus tell us these things? Now our minds are running and we can’t stop. What’s it like to be carried by angels? Here are some things I believe Jesus was wanting us to see in this passage:

First, you’ll notice Lazarus isn’t called by his name. He is called the poor man. He was poor in finances. He was poor in health. He was poor in resources. So desperate, he was laid at a rich man’s gate. That’s not the place you take extremely ill people. You take them to the hospital. You call the doctor. You call family and friends. Leaving someone out in the elements with the hopes that some rich guy will have pity is truly desperate. It seems that Lazarus had no one. It seems that he died there at the rich man’s gates. It seems he died alone. No one surrounding him. No one praying. No one holding his hand. And, likely, his body was dumped in a pauper’s grave. Unmarked. Forgotten.

But he wasn’t forgotten. Heaven sent angels. God remembered. God knew. This poor man had no comfort in life, but in his death and when he crossed into the next room, he found the best care, love, and acceptance. God didn’t send a preacher. God didn’t send a priest, prophet or even an apostle. God sent angels. Poor Lazarus wasn’t remembered by God because he was simply poor. What catches the attention of God’s eyes is our faith. Implied and taught all over the Scriptures is the value of believing. Angels came because Lazarus believed.

Second, Jesus tells this story because the bulk of his audiences were like Lazarus. They were poor people. They were common people. They were simple laborers. Living in a big house, behind a gate, wearing purple and eating a feast every day, is something that Jesus’ audiences would never experience. And, the imbalance of the world would side with the rich man. He’s a success, the world would scream. He’s on top of the world. His funeral would have been elaborate. His grave stone, tall and impressive. Yet, on the other side, it was certainly a different picture. No angels are said to have come for the rich man. No tenderness is shown. No comfort is extended. No precious love. No God with him. This is a reminder to what really matters. Oh, we’d love to live behind that gate, eat that food, and wear those clothes. We’d have a grand time. But where does it take us? And, what does it do for us? We live here seventy, eighty, or possibly ninety years. On the other side, in the other room, we will be there forever. Poor Lazarus was now being comforted. The rich man was in torment and he had no help and no hope. Don’t lose sight of what is important. Don’t let the glitter and glamour of this world make you take your eyes off of Jesus. Lazarus who died alone by a rich man’s gates, was treasured, comforted and helped by God.

Third, this story reminds us that when we walk with God, we are never alone, not even in our death. The angels came. Now, in our way of thinking, we’d expect God to bring health back to Lazarus. Make him stand up again. Make him well. Rags to riches story—that’s what we want. But that’s worldly thinking. This world isn’t it. We are not physical beings who happen to have a soul. We are spiritual beings who happen to have a body. Jesus promised the apostles that He would be with them until the end of the age. The Psalmist said that even though we walk through the valley of death, God is with us. He comforts us. He is there. The journey for those early followers of Jesus would be hard. Many would have to make tough choices regarding their faith. Many would die because of their faith. God would be with them. They would be triumphant in Christ. Angels came. All was ok. There is nothing to fear. The future is bright and good.

Fourth, the expression Abraham’s bosom, signifies an embrace, a hug. You hug those you love. You hug those you haven’t seen in a long while. I’m a hugger. I’d rather hug than shake hands. And, here, poor, sick, dying Lazarus, who had no one, is embraced by the great father of faith, Abraham. Lazarus was loved. Lazarus was welcomed. Lazarus was accepted. He was where he belonged. He would never be sick again. He would never be  alone again. He would never be hopeless again. He would never have to struggle with temptation, fear, worry, or the troubles of life. Safe. Home. Where he belongs. You know the feeling when you have been on the road for a while. Hotels are nice, but it’s not your bed. And, when you finally sink into your own bed, what a feeling that is. Indeed, there is no place like home. Spiritually, for the believer, that place is in the presence of God

When Herod ordered those young babies killed in the first century, angels came. They must have been busy that night. Angels came when Stephen was killed. Angels must have come when Antipas was killed. And, if you are a believer and a follower of Christ, angels are coming someday for you. They will carry you home. It may be a busy night for angels, but they will get the job done. They always do!

 

(We have three Jump Start books relating to the things in this piece. We have a Jump Start book on angels, another on the rich man and Lazarus and one on the subject of death. These are all free. If you would like a copy email me: Rogshouse@aol.com)

 

Roger