As I was doing some studying and research this past weekend, I couldn’t help but consider this question in my mind: What do you think Lazarus would say?
About what? – You may be asking.
About his life circumstances. Think about it with me for one moment as you begin your day and new week.
The Rich Man and Lazarus – Luke 16:19-31
Jesus tells the story of Lazarus and the rich man, who is unnamed. Jesus explains that Lazarus suffered incredibly during his lifetime. Lazarus was crippled, malnourished, and destitute. Day after day Lazarus suffered through these conditions, according to Jesus.
He begged from the rich man as he laid at the rich man’s gate. This gate was no simple gate either. This was the gateway to an incredible estate. You see, this rich man was so rich that he only dressed in the most expensive clothes – even ordering his underwear from Egypt! This man had it all – except for Jesus Christ.
On the extreme contrast, Lazarus, whose name means God is my help, literally had nothing. Weak from malnourishment, diseased, and unclean since wild, stray dogs would lick the exposed ulcers all over his body, Lazarus lived a miserable life while on earth with absolutely nothing – except, different from the rich man, Lazarus had Jesus Christ.
As Jesus told the story, both men die. Lazarus gets escorted by angels to Abraham’s bosom; the rich man dies, is buried, and goes to torment in Hades.
What Do You Think Lazarus Would Say?
It is now over 2,000 years later since Jesus told this story.
What do you think Lazarus would say now?
As Jesus told the story, now it would be over 2,000 years later. The rich man, still tormented by flames, would be crying out for just a drop of water to be placed on his tongue to cool him off just a little (Luke 16:24). Lazarus, still sitting at the side of Abraham, essentially in his lap, would be enjoying all the benefits of the presence of the Lord.
Again, what do you think Lazarus would say now? How do you think Lazarus would evaluate his life and circumstances now?
Do you think he would complain that while on earth God did not treat him better?
Do you think he would pout because he didn’t get everything he wanted?
Sick. Poor. Crippled. How much of that do you think he would be complaining about now?
Or, do you think he would see it all in perspective now. Is it possible, like Paul the Apostle, that he would see those things as light and temporary afflictions (2 Corinthians 4:17)?
How about you? How do you see the suffering in your life. Is it possible you have assigned too much value to the things of this world versus the value of the Gospel, Jesus Christ, and the future pleasures of eternity?
That’s what I’ve been dwelling on as well. And, yes, possibly I have as well.
May we strive to do better this week!
Image Credit Kevin Carson
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together