Across the Divide

By Jane E. Rutter, Contributor

Our front yard sits across from a creek and thus is in the flood plain. Now and again, heavy rains cause the water to rise and spill up over the road, making it impassable. When this happens, we sit tight, knowing we are not going anywhere. Typically, when all is flooded, we enjoy the break from the world’s fray. Having a legitimate reason to stay home is a treat.

Perhaps the rich man felt the same. Oblivious to the suffering beyond his doors, he indulged himself in fine linens and food (Luke 16:19). He slept on a comfortable bed and drank wine from the best vineyards (Amos 6:4-6). Indulging himself with all that his riches procured, his was a good life.

The catch to the rich man’s life of grandeur is an obvious one. Sheltered by all money could buy, he thought of no one’s welfare but his own. Can you not see him looking around at all his luxuries and thinking, “I deserve this?” Or hear him talking among his peers about the poor and saying, “Shiftless people. Why don’t they work harder?”

Sadly, I can see and hear myself doing the same. I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, acquired and safeguarded. I deserve this good life, don’t I?

It’s a constant struggle to keep myself on course with St. Paul’s advice to Timothy to, as a woman of God, “…pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness” (1 Tim. 6:11). Cocooned in my nest, whether by flood or choice, I become as selfish and thoughtless as the rich man.

I cannot run the good race alone but need to be part of a community of believers, faithful to God’s word and good works. Together, fortifying and serving one another. This is true of each one of us.

For there is a Lazarus lying outside all our doors, hungry, and covered in scabs with a dog licking his sores (Luke 16:20-21). How long will it take us to jump into action and feed, clothe and heal this beloved child of God? Alone it feels impossible, but together as a community in Christ, we are called to do just that.

If today you find yourself alone, lost or focused only on how to keep what you have, I lovingly challenge you to walk out your door and join a church community. Live beyond what you have, for it will rot away. Seek to serve and proclaim Christ to the poor and rich alike, so that all in your midst will rise together in Christ.

And so I pray: Dear Lord, fill us with the desire to abandon the floods and fires of hell that divide us from you in favor of the gates of heaven where the heavenly banquet awaits.