The Daily: Monday September 29, 2025

""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."
- Luke 16:19-21

Devotional
In our journey of faith, we often encounter difficult truths that challenge our comfort. Like the prophet Jeremiah who wrote during Israel's darkest period of Babylonian captivity, we too face harsh realities in our world today. Environmental crises, social divisions, and uncertainty about the future can overwhelm us, tempting us to look away or deny what's happening. But true faith doesn't hide from reality—it faces it with courage and honesty.

When Jesus told the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, He wasn't just telling a story about the afterlife. He was revealing how our indifference to suffering creates chasms between us and others, between us and reality itself. The rich man in the parable couldn't see Lazarus as a fellow human being deserving of compassion, even when both their earthly lives had ended. His blindness continued even in torment. How often do we similarly fail to see the reality of our world's suffering? Today, let's commit to honest awareness. Let's open our eyes to see both the beauty and brokenness around us. This honest seeing is the first step toward faithful action. When we acknowledge reality as it is, rather than as we wish it to be, we create space for God's transformative work in and through us.

Reflection Question
In what areas of your life or our world might you be avoiding difficult truths? How might honest acknowledgment of these realities actually strengthen rather than weaken your faith?

"Sometimes the good news is sharing the bad news, to be honest about what's taking place."    Pastor Jason

Prayer
God of truth, give me courage to see the world as it truly isas well as what I wish it to be. Help me to face difficult realities with the confidence that You are present in them. May my awareness lead not to despair but to faithful action. In Jesus' name, amen.