Trading Places

Today we're going to hear about two men. One man had lots and lots of things. He had yummy food and pretty clothes. The other man was named Lazarus. Lazarus didn't have any food or nice clothes. He was very hungry and sad.

The rich man lived in a big, big house! He ate cookies and cake and all his favorite foods every day. Yum yum! Lazarus sat outside the big house. His tummy was empty and growling. "Grrrr," went his tummy! He hoped someone would share some food with him.

But the rich man walked right past Lazarus. He didn't share his cookies. He didn't share his sandwich. He didn't even say "Hi!" That made Lazarus very sad.

One day, Lazarus went to heaven to be with God. Heaven is the most wonderful place ever! There are no more hungry tummies in heaven. No more sad feelings. Lazarus was so happy! He could eat yummy food and play and laugh all day.

The rich man also died, but he didn't go to heaven. He went to a very hot, uncomfortable place. Now HE was the one who was sad and hungry. He looked up and saw Lazarus in heaven, happy and full. "Oh no!" he said. "I wish I had been kind and shared my food!"

Do you know why Lazarus went to heaven? Because even when he was hungry and sad, Lazarus still loved God. He trusted God to take care of him. And God did!

The rich man thought he didn't need God because he had so many things. But things can't make us truly happy. Only God can!

Remember: God wants us to share with others, just like we share our toys at playtime. And most important of all - we should love God and trust Him to take care of us!

Let's pray: Dear God, help us to share and be kind. Help us to love You. Thank You for taking care of us. Amen.