Rich Man, Poor Man

Rich Man, Poor Man

“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.” Luke 16:19-21 ESV

Most of us are familiar with this Parable commonly known as the Rich Man and Lazarus. The story continues with the poor man who died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side and 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.

The word goes on to say that the rich man 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.” Abraham responded, “between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.”

At that point the Rich man said directing to Abraham, “then I beg you, father, to send him (Lazarus) to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.”Abraham told him, “they have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. But the rich man from within his tormented place, said if someone goes to them from the dead they will repent.” But again, Abraham pointed out that if they won’t hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.

The passage emphasizes the importance of compassion and helping those in needs. I am my brother’s keeper. It also serves as a moral lesson of the consequences our earthly actions/choices and the eternal ramifications that will follow.

A few things I noticed about the passage:

• The rich man recognized Abraham and Lazarus.
• All of the rich man’s questions were answered by Abraham.
• There was a Great Chasm, between the rich man, and Abraham and Lazarus.  The word Chasm is defined as an impassable barrier or a division between two things that cannot be crossed.
• The rich man in all his torment and anguish, thought about his 5 brothers wanting them to get the message before it was too late.

 This parable should inspire us to live with generosity, reminding us that love is the key, and it is a vital part of our Christian life. Let love be the perfect ingredient in all you do. It is nice to be nice, and it’s even sweeter when you are nice for real. In this life you do not know who you are going to need. Don’t burn your bridges.

Remember friends, we are each other’s keeper and the only time we should be looking down on someone is when we are helping them up.