Text: Luke 16:20-31
Memory verse:
“who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3‬:‭21‬ ‭NKJV‬‬

Unlike man or other beings, God’s power goes beyond the earth into eternity. According to our text, the rich man’s power and influence ended on earth. On earth, he exercised his authority as he wished, determined his location, and chose his comfort but lost all these in eternity. There, he couldn’t command Lazarus anymore. He was given a permanent location in hell without option and torment instead of comfort. He killed Lazarus’ body but couldn’t kill his soul. But God is able to destroy both soul and body in hell (Matt 10:28). That’s why I pity those who allow the fear of man to affect their relationship with God. The fear of man is indeed a snare (Prov 29:25). Some even disobey God’s word just to please others. This is risky for your eternity! I would rather go to heaven alone than go to hell with a company! Others deny or compromise their faith just to live or for earthly gains. Don’t trade eternity with God for life on earth. Find out from the rich man, and he will tell you that a drop of water on your tongue in hell is worth more than a hundred years on earth or thousands of dollars!
Also, God’s miraculous abilities go beyond mortal life. Who can raise the dead? The ancient Jews believe that it is still possible for a dead man to rise up after three days. So, they don’t consider such resurrection of the dead as a miracle. Jesus delayed for four days before he got to Lazarus’ house. So, nobody ever believed that anyone could raise him up again. Even Martha protested when Jesus asked that the stone be rolled away from the tomb and said, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.”(John‬ ‭11‬:‭39‬ ‭NLT‬‬).
Jesus is still raising the dead today. However, the greatest miracle is the resurrection of the dead to die no more. At the rapture, everyone who died in Christ will be raised into a new body. This is what some find difficult to accept. They wonder how the body that was buried over a thousand years ago will ever be raised! What is impossible with man is possible with God. God is able (Phil 3:21; 1 Cor 15:52; 1 Thes 4:16).
Friends, the God who raised Lazarus from the dead after four days, is still able to do much more. Believe God for a miracle. Whatever is dead in your life, be it in your body, your dream, finances, marriage, and so forth, shall be raised up again in Jesus’ name.

Prayer points
1. Father, please, let me never trade eternity with You for any earthly gain in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, please, let me never look back, lest I miss the rapture and the eventual resurrection in Jesus’ name.

Today’s declarations
1. I prefer to go to heaven alone than to go to hell in the company of friends and relations.
2. I believe in Jesus Christ and the resurrection of the dead.