Nov 23 – THREE LAPS !

“So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried” (Luke 16:22).

For today’s meditation we will reflect on three laps: the lap of Abraham, the lap of Delilah and lap of Blessing.

First: the lap of Abraham, which is the lap of comfort. This is the lap of the forefather of all Israelites and that of the Father of all believers, who was greatest among all the Israelites. When poor Lazarus died in his sorrow and pain, he was placed by the angel of God, on Abraham’s lap, to be comforted. Whatever may be the pain and suffering that you go through on this earth, be rest assured that you will be comforted in eternity.

Second: the lap of Delilah. While it may appear to be a lap of luxury, it is actually something which leads to eternal agony. Delilah had, on her lap, the strongest man amongst the Israelites, and Judge – Samson. But we all know of the tragic end of Samson – his eyes were gouged out, head shaved, he was devoid of his all his strength and was completely deprived of his position, status, and his greatness.

Therefore, flee from the lap of luxury and the sinful pleasures of the world. Flee away from the immoral woman who speaks lustful words. The Scripture warns us that: “her house leads down to death, and her paths to the dead; None who go to her return, nor do they regain the paths of life” (Proverbs 2:18,19).

Remove your way far from her, and do not go near the door of her house, Lest you give your honour to others, and your years to the cruel one; lest aliens be filled with your wealth, and your labours go to the house of a foreigner; and you mourn at last, when your flesh and your body are consumed, and say: “How I have hated instruction, and my heart despised correction! I have not obeyed the voice of my teachers, nor inclined my ear to those who instructed me! I was on the verge of total ruin, in the midst of the assembly and congregation” (Proverbs 5:8-14).

The third lap we will meditate today, is the lap of blessing. Your lap is that lap of blessing. And in order to remain as a lap or source of blessing, you should give generously to others. Lord Jesus mentioned: “Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom” (Luke 6:38).

Dear children of God, whenever you give to the Lord, give it cheerfully and with all your heart. Be magnanimous when you give to the poor and the needy. And the Lord will bless you abundantly.

Verse for further meditation: “The Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth” (Deuteronomy 28:1).