Revelation of the Word:

THEME: MYSTERY OF POVERTY

Luke 16:19-31 NIV

“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “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.’ ”

INSIGHT

-The parable of the rich man and Lazarus, the rich man also called “Dives” which means wealthy man in Latin lived a lavish life and Lazarus only desired to eat from the left overs of his household. He did not care about the affairs of Lazarus, and when he died he went to hades a place of eternal punishment. On the other hand Lazarus ended up in heaven by Abraham’s bosom. The parable reveals a common phenomenon that is prevalent today. The leafy suburbs are surrounded by slums. Normally there are territorial spirits that dwell in these slums to oppress the inhabitants. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that, we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” We are called to be alert and sober minded, seeking God’s grace through prayer and faith. We should note that wealth does not automatically condemn one to hell, nor does poverty in this life guarantee eternal joy. Our destiny is in the hands of the Lord. It is also vital to note our place in the kingdom of God, and a call to be kingdom financiers. It is also proper to take care of the needs of those who are suffering among us. Generosity to the poor unlocks God’s blessings and those who sow will lack nothing. On the other hand those who close their eyes to the poor receive many curses (Proverbs 28:27). Also, those who give to the poor are blessed and in the day of trouble the Lord will deliver them (Psalm 41:1). Lastly, those who give freely to the poor, their righteousness endures forever; and their horn will be lifted high in honor (Psalm 112:9).

PRAYER

Lord You are good and Your mercies endures forever. We give thanks to You Lord for You are able and worthy to be praised. We proclaim Your acts and declare Your praise in all the earth. Your word says blessed are those who act justly and always do what is right. May You teach us to always do what is right and just. May You touch our hearts so that we may generously scatter our substance to the poor. May You enable us to give our resources, advise, counsel, time and preach Your gospel freely. May You help us to activate our gifts and talents and to be faithful in what You have called us to do; precious Holy Spirit. Your kingdom Lord is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. May You bless us dear Jesus and expand our territories. May You remember us for good and increase us in every area of our lives. May You bless all the street children and their families, that You may open many doors of prosperity for them. May You forgive us all our sins and heal our land and economy dear Jesus. May You grant all Your people the gift of salvation dear Jesus. May You open many doors of prosperity for all Your people dear Jesus. Our Father who art in heaven; hallowed be Your name; Your Kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into temptations but deliver us from evil; for thine is the Kingdom the power and the glory; forever and ever. Amen

Further reading: Proverbs 19:17, Luke 6:20

Blessed Wednesday

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