There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores. . . . The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.” Luke 16:19–20, 22–23 In the traditional “learning trio” of reading, writing, and arithmetic, the first two of the listed disciplines deal with words. Spoken and written communication are vital throughout life. But learning numbers and how to work with them, understand them, and use them well is also important. The books of the Bible include many numbers, each of which has special significance. The fourth book of the Old Testament is called Numbers because it contains the results of two censuses of the Hebrew people taken after the exodus from Egypt, one beginning in the first chapter and the second beginning in chapter 26. The Lord God demanded that each of His people was accounted for and known. His care for each of us continues, as is reflected in His Word through the prophet Isaiah, “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are Mine” (Isaiah 43:1b). God sees each of us as “number one” in His loving view!
BIBLE READINGS:
Luke 16:19–31