Devotional Series July 13-16
This Devotional Series is based on a message delivered on July12, 2026, and can be found at: https://www.kallamgrove.org/messages/how-can-god-send-people-to-hell/
Life is Not Always Fair
Luke 16:25
But Abraham said, “Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.”
One of the hardest realities to accept is that life is not always fair. Some people seem to have every advantage while others endure hardship after hardship. If we judge God’s justice only by what happens between birth and death, we will inevitably conclude that something is terribly wrong.
Jesus tells this story to remind us that this life is not the final chapter. Abraham’s words reveal that God has been keeping an account all along. Nothing has escaped His notice. Every act of kindness, every injustice suffered, every tear shed, and every evil committed has been seen by Him. This truth should encourage believers who are carrying heavy burdens. If you have been treated unfairly, if you have suffered loss that seems impossible to explain, or if you have wondered whether anyone notices your pain, God does. His justice may not always come on our timetable, but it will come.
This also changes how we think about success. It is possible to have every earthly comfort and yet miss what matters most. Likewise, it is possible to endure tremendous hardship while possessing an eternal hope that cannot be taken away. Our culture teaches us to measure life by comfort, possessions, and accomplishments. Jesus measures life by something far more enduring. He reminds us that eternity puts everything into its proper perspective.
Because Christ rose from the dead, we know that suffering is never the final word for those who belong to Him. One day every wrong will be made right, and every sorrow will give way to joy.
Reflection Question: How does remembering God’s coming justice change the way you view the hardships you are facing today?
Prayer: Lord, help me trust that You see every injustice and that Your perfect justice will one day prevail.
Through the parable, Jesus pulls back the curtain allowing us to see beyond this life
Psalm 73:16-17
But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.
Asaph struggled with a question that many of us have asked. Why do the wicked seem to prosper while those who follow God often suffer? For most of the psalm, he wrestles with what he sees around him. It simply does not seem fair. Then something changes. He enters the presence of God. His circumstances have not changed. The people around him have not changed. What changes is his perspective. He begins to see life through the lens of eternity rather than the moment.
That is exactly what Jesus does in the story of the rich man and Lazarus. He pulls back the curtain and allows us to see beyond this life. Suddenly the things that looked permanent are revealed to be temporary, and the things that seemed hidden become the most important realities of all. We often become discouraged because our vision is too small. We focus only on today’s circumstances. God continually calls us to lift our eyes and remember that eternity is real.
Whenever we feel overwhelmed by the apparent unfairness of life, we need to spend time in God’s presence. His Word reminds us that this present world is not the whole story. His promises give us hope when our circumstances do not.
Reflection Question: What situation do you need to begin viewing from the perspective of eternity instead of the present moment?
Prayer: Father, help me see my life through the hope and certainty of Your eternal promises.
The rich man’s circumstances changed, but his heart did not
Hebrews 3:15
As it is said, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.”
One of the saddest parts of Jesus’ story is that the rich man’s heart never changes. Even in Hades, he still sees Lazarus as someone to send on errands. He asks Abraham to send Lazarus to bring him water and then to send Lazarus to warn his brothers. His circumstances have changed, but his heart has not. That should cause each of us to pause.
Our hearts are not hardened all at once. They become hard through countless small decisions. Every time we ignore God’s conviction, excuse our sin, or refuse to forgive, our hearts become a little less sensitive to His voice. The writer of Hebrews wisely says, “Today.” We are never promised tomorrow. Every day we hear God’s Word is another opportunity to respond to His grace.
The wonderful news of the gospel is that Jesus crossed the chasm we could never cross ourselves. Through His death and resurrection, forgiveness is available to anyone who will turn to Him in faith. There is no one beyond His mercy while they still have breath.
The greatest miracle is not merely hearing about the resurrection. It is allowing the risen Christ to transform our hearts.
Reflection Question: Is there an area of your life where God has been calling you to respond, but you have been putting it off?
Prayer: Lord, give me a heart that responds quickly and joyfully to Your voice.
Opportunities to Trust and Follow God Do Not Last Forever
Isaiah 55:6-7
Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
One of the sobering truths in Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus is that opportunities do not last forever. During his lifetime, the rich man had countless opportunities to trust God, show mercy, and listen to His Word. After death, however, the opportunity had passed. The great chasm could not be crossed. Isaiah’s invitation captures the urgency of the gospel. “Seek the Lord while he may be found.” The word while reminds us that today is a gift. Every sunrise is another evidence of God’s patience and grace. Every time we hear His Word, He is extending an invitation to come to Him.
Notice also the heart of God in this passage. He is not reluctant to receive sinners. He does not merely tolerate those who return to Him. Isaiah says that He will have compassion and that He will abundantly pardon. God’s forgiveness is not measured out sparingly. It overflows because it is grounded in His grace.
This passage is also a reminder for believers. We often think of seeking the Lord only in connection with salvation, but the Christian life is one of continually drawing near to Him. Every day is another opportunity to confess sin, renew our trust, and enjoy fellowship with our Heavenly Father. The urgency of Luke 16 is not meant to create panic but to inspire faithful response. God has graciously made Himself known through His Word. He invites us to seek Him today, not because He wants to condemn us, but because He delights to show mercy to all who come to Him through Christ.
Do not assume there will always be another opportunity. If God is speaking to your heart today, respond with faith and gratitude. His invitation is still open, and His grace is more than sufficient.
Reflection Question: Is there an area of your life where God is calling you to seek Him more wholeheartedly today rather than putting it off until later?
Prayer: Father, thank You for Your abundant mercy, and help me respond to Your invitation with faith and obedience today.