Tag: luxury
The great reversal
Scripture reading for March 25: Luke 16
“”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, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his 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. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.”” Luke 10:19-24
The Jews (and modern day people) tended to judge people by their positions and success. If someone was rich and well cared for, they must have God’s favor. Conversely, those that are poor and sick must be under God’s judgment. Jesus, wanting to set their world view in line with the truth, told this parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Both died but where they ended up was shocking to those hearing the story. The sick beggar was taken to Abraham’s side and found comfort and peace awaiting the reward of the righteous. The rich man found himself in Hades in great torment!
Jesus went on to explain that the two departed souls could observe one another in their respective abodes. The rich man, who had ignored the needs of Lazarus on earth called out to ‘Father Abraham’ as a good religious Jew. He simply asked to have Lazarus come and just dip his finger in water to cool his tormented tongue. Father Abraham explained why this great reversal had occurred and how there was now no way to change or help his torment. The rich man had not had mercy on Lazarus and now would reap what he had sowed. God had made it so that part of the torment was to see and understand but not be able to change the final outcome. The rich man pleaded with Father Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers who were also headed for the place of torment. (Luke 16:27-29)
How does Jesus’ parable cause you to evaluate your own life and attitudes towards the poor and needy God places in your path? Have you ever ignored those in need? How concerned are you with those of your family or friends that are in need of a Gospel message?
Prayer: Father God, forgive me for ignoring those around me that have great needs. Help me to be attentive each day to pray and obey as You send me to share Your life-giving Gospel and rescue the lost from eternal torment. Thank You for sending those to warn me and share the saving Gospel. Amen.