The dynamics of discipleship (part 21)
“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.” – LUKE 16:19-23
It is my own personal belief that the rich man in this story could very well be the “Rich Young Ruler” grown-up who Jesus delivered the gospel to.
Anyway, it doesn’t matter, what matters is that the rich man in this story went to Hell for breaking the second greatest commandment by not loving his neighbor, Lazarus.
This story can also represent the modern-day church that doesn’t concern themselves with the poor of this world, instead of going after the rich and affluent to fill their cathedrals of complacency.
Poor ole Lazarus was just wanting some crumbs falling from the rich man’s table, but he was ruining the view for the rich man. With this poor beggar laid at his gate, day in and day out he had no excuse for ignoring his need.
Finally, Lazarus died and went to Paradise and the rich man died and went to Hades, a place of torment and everlasting punishment. The rich man cried out to Abraham to warn his five brothers lest they also come to this place of torment but Abraham reminded him that they also have God’s word and for them to hear it for themselves.
“Then he said, ‘I beg you, therefore, father, that you would send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’” – LUKE 16:27-31