AELW 3:65
"The circumstances of this life differ greatly. Poor Lazarus is hungry and is tortured by disease, while the rich man lives sumptuously and is happy (Luke 16:19–21). The situation of a king seems more pleasant than that of a private person. This inequality is often disturbing, and it often agitates hearts so much that people change their situation by sinning.
But one should hold fast to the comfort given here and think: “Behold, I am a manservant, a maidservant, one who is stricken with poverty and overburdened with work, etc. So be it! But let this be my comfort, that my God regards all alike—kings and servants, rich and poor, snners and those who are righteous.”
He is the God of all, and He wants us all to rely on His mercy and favor. The difference there is among people in this life does not make different persons before God. God hears all alike—you in your menial state and another in his free state.
This comfort is necessary and must often be impressed upon men, for it makes hearts confident and prevents the dangerous abandoning of a calling, the abandoning that is never attempted without sin. For by nature hearts shun the cross and strive with blind ambition for what is high."
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