Pastor Brian this week opened my eyes to look at an old
story a different way. Luke 16:19-31 is the story of the rich man and Lazarus:
19 There was
a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared
sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar
named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And
desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table:
moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it
came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into
Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And
in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and
Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And he cried and said, Father
Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his
finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25 But
Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good
things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art
tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you
there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you
cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then
he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my
father’s house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may
testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham
saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And
he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will
repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses
and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the
dead.
The sermon was on Hell and used this story to highlight
three things. First was the rich man was unnamed, yet Lazarus was named. This
showed that God loves the least of us and this is shown by the beggar having a
name. This should teach you that God cares about YOU!! How cool is that?
Second, was the rich man’s desire for wealth put him this
place. Notice he is in torment and does not ask Abraham if he will remove him
but rather to save his brothers. Honestly if it was me I would repent and ask
for mercy. The rich man does not he appears to desire his wealth even after
death where he refuses to let go.
Third, was not letting go of sin. We tend to miss out on God’s
glory because we cling to things here on earth. Have you noticed that even when
someone seems to have it all, they are miserable? I think of the Menendez
brothers who were from a wealthy family, yet unhappy. They were so unhappy they
killed their parents for the inheritance assuming that would give them a better
life. It landed them in jail with no money. So look to God for everlasting
peace and not things on earth that rust away (Matthew 6:19).