The Rich Abundance of God, September 25th Worship

  Jesus tells a parable of a rich man, whose name we never know, and a poor man, whose name is Lazarus. The rich man had it all---fine clothes, rich food, a big house with a gate.  Lazarus had nothing but crumbs and dogs licking his sores. But in death, this is all reversed. The rich man is in anguish and Lazarus is right next to Abraham in honor. The rich man begs for mercy, but it is too late; a great chasm has been fixed that no one can cross. The rich man begs that his five living brothers might be warned; he is told that even if someone should rise from the dead, they will not be convinced. The name "Lazarus" means, "God is my help."  The parable reveals that God wants us to have His eternal and infinite riches forever. We believe that Jesus has triumphed over all things. Knowing Him, the One risen from the dead, we are rich in God's most priceless treasure.