Beech Tree News Network

“The Rich Man and Lazarus” (Luke 16:19-31) is an instructional story Jesus told the Pharisees, who were lovers of money” (16:14). It tells of a very wealthy, indulgent man who feasted daily, yet ignored the sick, hungry beggar laying at his front door. In the story, both men die. The beggar, Lazarus, is carried by angels to Abraham’s side, a place of comfort. The rich man ends up in torment, compounded by the fact he can look and see Lazarus. He calls out to Abraham only to learn that it is too late for him to receive mercy, and too late for him to encourage others to seek God. The story is sobering. It is immediately obvious that the rich man is the bad guy. It is also uncomfortably apparent that we may have more in common with the rich man than we do with Lazarus…

Have I received good things in this life? Most of us would have to say yes. And we need to remember that ultimately, God is the source (James 1:16-17). We should work to have and have to share. Paul wrote, “Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need” (Eph. 4:28). In response to the good things we have we ought to be thankful and generous. Both are contagious.

Am I indifferent to the suffering of others? Am I self-centered or self-absorbed? Listen to this warning, “people who are self-centered aren’t able to please God” (Rom. 8:8, CEB). Maybe I’m just pre-occupied? Jesus said, “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and it proves unfruitful” (Mt. 13:22). Do I love my neighbor? Recall the Good Samaritan? Do I “go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37)? Does God’s love abide in me? Do I back my words with action (1 John 3:16-18)?

Am I waiting until it’s too late to seek mercy? If so, Paul says I despise God’s kindness and patience (Rom. 2:1-5). If I am still waiting to obey the gospel or still waiting to get serious about discipleship, the root cause is a hard, impenitent heart. Any other “reason” is a bad excuse. “For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night” (1 Thess. 5:2). Soon may be too late. 

Finally, do I have loved ones I wish I could warn? Why don’t we? Do we fear what we will lose? What about what they stand to lose? Eternity is in the balance, and they will give an account (Heb. 9:27). They “have Moses and the prophets” (Luke 16:29), but we could warn them. They’ll know someday… and know we didn’t tell them.

The “Rich Man” and Lazarus… Maybe it could be “Me” and Lazarus.

Lord, help me to see myself in the Rich Man. Help me to think of myself more like Lazarus. Help me to listen to the One who did rise from the dead.