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Jesus told the story of two men. One is rich and was said to fare sumptuously each day. The other was Lazarus, a beggar who barely subsisted on the rich man's crumbs. Luke does not preface the text as being a parable. Although it contains a lesson, let's take this as an actual account in their lives. It shouldn't be hard to believe. The wealthy have very often disregarded the plight of the poor - that's how most of them stay wealthy. Most of the get rich by inheriting wealth gained from exploitation, especially in this country. It's been asked why Lazarus was begging and what he did to become so poor. The poor we always have among us. Instead of seeing humans that need help, too many look for reasons why they shouldn't be helped, even by people who claim faith because surely, in this world, they could have bootstrapped their way up. But some people don't even have boots! The answer is that it's not our place to judge the forsaken, the outcast, and the downtrodden. We don't know why Lazarus is poor because that's none of our business. It's none of your business why someone is struggling. Your business is helping him in the struggle! And that is what the rich man did not do!
Both of them died. Lazarus was comforted, in Abraham's bosom. The rich man went to hell. He had means, money, and more than enough. But he went straight to hell! This is how I know he was a fool.
The fool says in his heart that ther is no God. If you don't acknowledge God - if you blaspheme/deny God - you won't be saved by God. The rich man didn't and wasn't. He busted hell wide open, separated from his money and all that it did for him with nothing to take its place. A fool and his money are soon parted. When you die you leave it all! But a fool and life will be parted when life all is about what you can get and keep from others.
1. Don't Fear Losing The Former v19
- Are you at risk of losing your life & soul because you refuse to count the cost of selfish self-interest? The cost of the rich man's opulence was losing life and an eternity in torments because he refused to sacrifice his hubris & hedonism. He gave up crumbs only! But what price are you willing to pay for your life? The common thing for all people is that everything costs something, even if God pays the bill. Saved or unsaved, a cost is attached to everything. Will you lose your life in order that you might find it?
2. Don't Fear Living Faithfully vv20, 23
- I don't think people could see it. I don't suppose any predicted it. But when this begger, Lazarus, died he was vindicated. There is no mention of his good deeds & church attendance. But he had to be a believer! He was righteous in the sight of God. He had low social standing, but he had heavenly credentials. People may not see it in you, but don't be afraid to be faithful. I have a made up mind and I am going to be faithful even if nobody recognizes me, elevates me, or praises me! You're not performing for man's applause! You're to live faithful unto God!
3. Don't Fear Looking Foolish v21
- Lazarus looked like the foolish one. He was carried. Dogs licked him. He didn't have anything. He either lost everything or he never had anything. And I can identify with Lazarus. You see, I have not much at all. I'm called foolish because I make money and give it away. I was called foolish because I wanted to be saved. It cost me. I wanted to serve and be faithful. It cost me. Those things still cost me. Although I have suffered loss for my faith and fealty to God, I wouldn't trade places with anyone on the way to hell! And if it means that I have to look like a fool, be broke like a fool, discarded like a fool, beg like a fool, preach like a fool, I'll be that fool! I will lose all the money on earth if it means that I will be with God and miss hell! Do I have anybody with me?