In our wealth and power-driven culture, we all know the “big names” out there. Our news and entertainment industries provide a never-ending stream of the latest triumphs, tragedies and gossip of our popular athletes, actors, and successful entrepreneurs. It would have been no different in Bible times. Everyone knows who the rich and famous are in their society, whether it’s 2000 AD or 2000 BC.
In the Bible, Luke Chapter 16, we read about a certain rich man who lived a life of luxury while a poor, diseased beggar named Lazarus lived at his gate, hoping for a scrap of food from his table. The rich man was most assuredly surrounded by attendants waiting on him hand and foot. His elaborate lifestyle would certainly not go unnoticed. However, not being immune to the inevitable, the rich man finally died. The poor man also died. Immediately, Lazarus was carried by angels into paradise while the rich man suddenly found himself in a place of torment. Being in agony, the rich man looked up and saw Lazarus with Abraham and called out to Abraham, “Have pity on me! Send Lazarus here to cool my mouth with water – I’m in torment with these flames!”
Let’s pause here and observe several things about the rich man:
- Although he ignored Lazarus during his lifetime, he not only recognized Lazarus in the afterlife, he knew his name
- He never repented for his self-indulgent lifestyle
- He still viewed Lazarus as an object, or a servant, refusing to speak to him directly even from hell, demanding that he be sent to help him
When he realizes his situation is hopeless, still making demands, he asks Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers. However, in response, the rich man is told that his brothers have already been warned and they have the ability to read all about it. The rich man shouts, “No!…if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God!” Once again, we see that Lazarus is clearly known. Even the rich man’s brothers would recognize him, otherwise he would not have asked that Lazarus be sent back to warn them “as someone who is sent to them from the dead.” (verse 30) But again he’s advised, “If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.”
Contrary to how the story might read in the local news, the one who is poor, disregarded, and insignificant by the world’s standards is repeatedly mentioned by name: Lazarus. In contrast, the rich man, living in splendor day after day, presumably well known among his neighbors, and surrounded by attendants, is never once mentioned by name.
The rich man had every opportunity to turn his life over to God, but instead, he chose only to live for himself. As a result, by the time he died, he had positioned himself as a complete stranger to God, being remembered only as ‘a certain rich man.’ Even going to hell did not bring a change of heart; the man never repented of his selfishness. As a complete stranger to God, he simply awoke to find himself in a place without God, spending an eternity with others who’ve chosen likewise.
Jesus warns us, “Not everyone who calls out to me, “Lord, Lord!” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven…many will say to me, “Lord, Lord!”…but I will reply, ‘I never knew you.’” Mathew 7:21-23
“If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” Rev 20:15
But there is Good News! You can know God today….if you feel like a stranger to God, call out to Jesus and ask Him to forgive you for living for yourself, to thank Him for paying the tremendous price for your sin, and to come into your life to help you live the life He always intended – together with Him.
Shadia Hrichi
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Well done, precious daughter!!
Thank You Shadia, I love reading your insight into scripture!