The Fear of Being Alone

~~~ Jeremiah 17:5-10 ~~~ Psalm 1 ~~~ Luke 16: 19-31~~~

Jesus, the master storyteller, gets the attention of the Pharisees
with the description of the main character....

'There was a rich man who dressed in purple garments and fine linen
and dined sumptuously each day.'

This is a description that would appeal to the Pharisees 
because they were very concerned about appearances.
The Pharisees wanted to be a part of the elite aristocratic group.

The Pharisees were more approachable by the common people.
This was a story for them.
They could identify with the poor sick homeless man.
We can also identify with Lazarus because we too have seen
the sick, lonely, and the homeless alongside the road.
One of our fears is that we could be alone and sick one day too.

Jesus continues his story of Lazarus dying
and being carried away by angels.
This too appealed to the Pharisees
because they believed in a resurrection of the body.

Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD,
whose hope is the LORD.
He is like a tree planted beside the waters
that stretches out its roots to the stream:
It fears not the heat when it comes,
its leaves stay green;
In the year of drought it shows no distress,
but still bears fruit.

Those who hope in the Lord will have no fear of being sick and alone.
They will draw their strength from the Lord
just as the roots of a tree draw up the water.
They will be not afraid when the devastating events of life
bears upon them.
They will remain, with eyes fixed on the Lord.
Even though they walk in the valley of dark they will not be afraid,
because they know he is with them.
He will sustain us with his living waters.
Their heart will know the love that can only come
from the source of love...God

Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.

His love will never fade or fall away
as a withered leaf falls from its branch.
His love remains until the end of time.
You are loved.