Listen to Devotion

Read: Luke 16:19-31

“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.’” Luke 16:25

Can I Get a Do-Over?

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Imagine getting your math test back and it’s covered in red marks. You didn’t study, and now you’re stuck with a bad grade. You ask the teacher, “Can I get a do-over?” But she says, “Nope. I told you what to study.”

In today’s Bible reading, Jesus tells a story about a rich man who wanted a do-over—not on a test, but on his whole life. He had everything he wanted—money, food, comfort—but he didn’t listen to God and didn’t care about the poor man outside his gate. After he died, he finally realized he was wrong. But it was too late. There are no do-overs after death.

Jesus told this story to warn us. If we love money more than God, we risk being separated from him forever. That’s what happened to the rich man. But the poor man, Lazarus, who had nothing in this life, was taken to heaven. Everything flipped—the rich man was in pain, and Lazarus was filled with joy.

Jesus had said before: “Blessed are you who are hungry now . . . Woe to you who are well fed now” (Luke 6:21 , 25). He didn’t mean it’s wrong to enjoy nice things. He meant don’t ignore God. Don’t cling so tightly to stuff that you forget about him.

Here’s the good news: while we’re alive, God gives us mercy. We can repent. We can hear his Word. When we say, “Jesus, I’m sorry,” he gives us forgiveness and a fresh start. That’s grace. That’s God’s real “do-over.”

But don’t wait. Don’t put it off. Be “rich toward God” now—listen to his Word, grow in faith, and trust Jesus every day. Then, you’ll never have to wish for a second chance in eternity.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your mercy and forgiveness. Help me treasure your Word and trust in Jesus each day. Keep me close to you until I reach the joy of heaven. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Have you ever asked for a do-over? (like in a game, a test, or with a friend?)


• What does Jesus say when you ask him for forgiveness?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why was Lazarus rich, even though he had no money or food?


• What does it mean to be “rich toward God”? (hint: it’s about faith, not money)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What things in your life make it easy to forget about God? (video games, sports, money, wanting to fit in, etc.)


• Why is it dangerous to think, “I’ll just keep sinning—it’s okay, God will forgive me later”?

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