Pray the words of this Lazaroo aloud, with teachable respect:

“…Paul—an old man and now also a prisoner of Christ Jesus…”
(Philemon 1:9)

Most of us don’t see this coming, Jesus.

We think that if we serve you all our lives
our advanced years will glow with good times and happy circumstances.

“Surely,” we think, “all that hard work will pay off.

“My children and grandchildren will make me proud.
I’ll have plenty of money to meet all my material needs.
I’ll enjoy good health.
I’ll look back on my accomplishments with satisfaction.

“My friends, neighbors and fellow church members will gather around to honor me with respect.”

Sometimes it works out that way.

But not for Paul.

His “golden years” were spent in prison.

Instead of being honored for his years of faithful service

he was beheaded.

O God.

Deliver me from the shortsighted, foolish expectation

that my reward is in this life.

_________
Genesis 25:7-8; Genesis 27:2-4; Leviticus 19:32; Judges 19:16-21; 1 Samuel 2:30-33; 1 Samuel 28:14; Job 12:12; Psalms 17:14; Psalms 37:25; Isaiah 65:20; Luke 1:8-20

What is Lazaroo?

Take Me Deeper