Parables of Christ - Part 21

The Rich Man and Lazarus

The Audio Version of today’s note

The House of Bread · Voice Note For 20241024 - The Rich Man And Lazarus - Parables Of Christ - Part 21

Luke 16:19-31 KJV

[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.

Note for 20241024

Once more we have a famous parable and we run the risk of thinking that we know it well. I have seen how fewer people read or listen when they read a title they know. Is that not exactly what Abraham was speaking of to this rich man in hell? Christ Jesus has risen from the grave, look and see how many take his Word seriously.

Is this risk only because of the luxury of a rich man? No, there are some who curse GOD for their circumstances, their loss and misfortunes. What we all have access to that is common to both rich and poor is the Word of GOD. Does the Word of GOD not instruct us to be kind even to strangers? Did Solomon not write that to give to the poor is to make a loan to GOD? Regret comes too late, so we have learned. And many never learn at all, until that final breath is gone. Today, the Word of GOD is made available for us like we find here in the YouVersion Bible App, where we can carry the Word of GOD with us for reference everywhere we go. What excuse will we have if we come to the everlasting habitation that we read of in this parable? Remember, this is red letter text and the words of Jesus Christ Himself.

You know, each of us can consider for ourselves who we relate to in this parable. Are we like the rich man or like Lazarus? Let me then ask you a question, have you seen others less fortunate than you? What is it to be rich? Maybe another question may bring more understanding; is the Word of GOD not the Bread of Life? Is it not life-giving water for the thirsty soul? How quick can we then be brought to a new perspective; while we may cry for material substance, do we not possess the Word of GOD? Do we share that with those who appear rich outwardly, but who are starving for that which sustains the soul? Who is the rich man then? Remember how Christ told Simon Peter to feed His sheep?

We can so easily consider ourselves troubled for bread and forget that we have bread of heaven that we can share with others. Words of wisdom from the Word of GOD engraved in our hearts. If you have to give to others and you don't have you not become just like the rich man in this parable? Judge not lest ye be judged, for all of us can show kindness to one another. Yet, let it not be forgotten, that a man without food is left to suffer in the flesh and it will torment his soul. When the guard abandons his post at the gate, the hungry will come for what you have.

Let us conclude for now, there is much to consider here. My advice will be that we pay close attention to those around us in this day and the ones to follow, GOD sparing us, that we do not withhold from others for the sake of luxury, nor by assumption that they have what they need. Not even for the consideration that another might help where we didn't, especially when it comes to the knowledge we have found in the Word of GOD. Not neglecting, that which fills the tummy and that which quench thirst.

"...Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk." (Acts 3:6 KJV)

While we then still have breath in us, let us walk according to the Spirit that indwells with us. Give from what we have to others and pray to our Father GOD in Heaven to sustain us with our daily Bread.

Shalom

The House of Bread

Verse of The Day

(YouVersion - Expanded from verse 15)

1 John 4:11-17 KJV

[11] Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. [12] No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. [13] Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. [14] And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. [15] Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. [16] And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. [17] Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.