Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
~ Psalm 73:25-26
Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 is a great illustration of the truths in our verse for today.
Jesus explained that the rich man lived in luxury every day. From an earthly standpoint, that man had it all.
Lazarus was a beggar covered in sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. However, from an eternity standpoint, it was Lazarus who had it all!
Jesus explained that when Lazarus died, he was carried to Abraham’s side in heaven. Lazarus shared the same faith in his Savior as Abraham and so he shared the same eternal destination as Abraham. In heaven, he no longer hungered, thirsted, or lived with sores, but lived with his Savior forevermore!
How about the rich man? This man, who “had it all” on earth, lacked what he needed for eternity. He had no faith in his Savior and so when he died, his soul experienced torment and agony in hell.
Which of the two men truly had it all? Which life would you desire?
If we are honest, we must admit that we can be short-sighted and earthly-minded at times and wish for the life of that rich man. But take a look at Lazarus in eternity! We often waste time and energy pursuing earthly desires and being worried about temporary things that the second we die mean absolutely nothing.
One day our lives on this earth and even the earth itself will pass away. But the life which our Savior died and rose to give us for eternity will not. He is our strength each day through faith in him. He is our portion forever!
Prayer: Lord, I love you with all my heart. You are my greatest treasure now and forever.
Living Hope Church 