In Luke 15 it is recorded where Jesus was teaching his disciples about the value of all humans to God. Jesus told them a shepherd would leave 99 sheep in the sheepfold, to go look for one lost lamb. He explained that a woman would search high and low for that one coin she had lost. Jesus taught them the parable of the prodigal son. He said the father told the other son he should be rejoicing because his brother who had been lost, had come home.
Jesus didn’t stop there. He continued the series in chapter 16:19-31 the chapter concludes with the story of the rich man and Lazarus. Two humans die. One has been a rich man who enjoyed the finer things in life. The other, Lazarus, barely had enough to stay alive. In his earthly life Lazarus suffered much. Every day the rich man, who might have eased Lazarus’ suffering passed by unconcerned. The rich man and the beggar were both of Abraham’s lineage. It wasn’t Lazarus’ poverty that bought him a place in paradise. It wasn’t the rich man’s wealth that kept him out. We learn from reading about these two men that God cares for all humans.
2 Peter 3:9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
The rich man was not sorry for his sins until he found himself in hell. He didn’t show mercy. In his life he lived to please himself.
In Acts 3:1-8 we see where another poor man sitting in the gate, begging. Peter noticed him and reached out to him. He said, ” Look on us.” The man looked at Peter and John expecting something. Then Peter said, “Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.” He took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. The man went into the temple leaping and praising God.
We can learn from these stories. God loves all humans and wants to help them. It is necessary for humans to see their need and humble themselves before God.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
The crippled man looked to Peter and John expecting. We have to acknowledge God, give him our attention and look for his instruction.
Luke 17:5-6 And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. The Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye might say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou plucked up by the root, and be thou planted in the sea; and it should obey you.
Let’s listen for instructions, be willing to do what he says and expect a miracle. God loves us, has given us his word and with faith in him we can move mountains!