There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day.
Luke 16:19 NIV
Jesus told a parable of a rich man who lived a pampered,self indulged lifestyle, while ignoring the plight of a poor beggar who lay outside of his gate longing for just the crumbs that fell from his table. The rich man lacked nothing. He had more than enough to meet his needs, and the needs of others as well, yet he showed no compassion for Lazarus, the beggar, who he would have seen day after day, outside his gate.
Jesus shared this parable in response to the sneering of the Pharisees, who loved money. Like the rich man in the story, they only cared about themselves, unwilling to reach out to meet the needs of the truly needy around them.
Bring this up to the present time. How do we fit into this story as individuals today? How does the church fit in? Do we use our resources to reach out to others. Are we feeding the hungry, visiting the sick and imprisoned, clothing the naked? Are we going out with the gospel? The greatest need of man is to be reconciled to God through Jesus Christ, but are we keeping Him to ourselves?
The Laodicean church was rich and self sufficient. They took great pride in their status. But God detests what man holds in high esteem. He was about to vomit them out of His mouth. They made Him sick!
We as disciples are called to live lives of abandonment to self. Devotion to Christ means giving to the highest meaning of giving! Church is not about making sure everyone gets an easter basket. It is about making sure that the lost have a chance to experience the risen Christ, set free from the bondage of sin!
What is important to you?
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