30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
Luke 16 19-31 Released from self cetredness 20 We are the beneficiaries
📖 Luke 16:19-31
23May2020 - *We are the beneficiaries* - _Luke 16:19-31_ - Bible reading: _Genesis 40:6-7_
_Luke 16:24 “Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.'_
The rich man was experiencing excruciating pain and thirst and he was desperate for a drop of water to cool his tongue. When he lived in luxury and plenty on earth, he never understood this agony and pain but now it was being brought to his sensibilities in the most agonising manner.
It was the same or similar condition in which Lazarus was while they were both on earth but at that time the rich man never paid heed to the pain that Lazarus was experiencing. The rich man is now being made to realise, in the most aching way, as to what he had ignored to do, during his life on earth.
Every person will have to face the consequences of his life. _II Corinthians 5:10 For we must *all* appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad._
How is it in heaven? _Revelation 7:16-17 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; (17) for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.". Revelation 22:1 And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding from the throne of God and of the Lamb._
The exact opposite of what it is in hell is what it is in heaven. There is no partying in hell, only torment.
What is it to love people? _Galatians 5:14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: "YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF."_ What does it mean to love my neighbour as myself?
It is connecting with people, placing ourselves in the other person's situation, feeling the pain that the other person experiences and then suitably responding to the need of that person. This is loving people.
All of these which we do, we do, not in our strength but in the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. We are not glorifying ourselves by loving people around us. The glory goes fully to the Lord for we know that by the effort of our flesh, we cannot please God.
Often when we have connected with people, placed ourselves in the other person’s situation, felt the other person's pain and suitably responded to the need of the person, we think that we have been a blessing to them, which is true.
It is also important to note that when we show love to people, we are benefiting ourselves.
Let us consider the story of Joseph, thrown into the dungeons of Egypt for no fault of his. It was an injustice that was done to Joseph and his life, for all practical purposes, was now over. Joseph was doomed to be in prison for the rest of his life. Joseph was in anguish.
The two officers of Pharaoh were also thrown into prison. As Joseph met them that morning, Joseph could have walked by and paid no attention to them. He could have given himself a good reason that he was in a tragic situation, and there was nothing that he could do for them.
Nevertheless, we see in the story that Joseph stopped and enquired from them as to why they were sad. Joseph was demonstrating love. _Genesis 40:6-7 And Joseph came in to them in the morning and looked at them, and saw that they were sad. (7) So he asked Pharaoh's officers who were with him in the custody of his lord's house, saying, "Why do you look so sad today?”_
This was a good thing for Joseph to do and it seemed, in the first instance, that the two officers of Pharaoh, were the beneficiaries, but wait. We all know the story of Joseph of how God raised him and eventually Joseph became a blessing in God’s hands to accomplish God’s purposes.
What was a vital link in God’s plan for Joseph? It was this small interaction in the dungeons of Egypt. Imagine if Joseph had walked by those two men that morning, immersed in his own agony?
Let us realise that when we reach out to people around us, *we are the beneficiaries*
*Thought to ponder*
“Father, I regret and I’m sorry for the many occasions when I have walked by and not responded to the need of people. Please forgive me in Jesus’ name. Amen”