Between us and heaven or hell there is only life, which is the frailest thing in the world.
- Blaise Pascal
Christ's story of the Rich Man and Lazarus is not a parable. In fact, it is the only conversation between human beings in the afterlife recorded in the Bible! As such, one would think this passage would be one of the most studied and taught in all of Scripture. Far from the case, this story is largely ignored, particularly by prosperous Western Christianity.
Carefully reading the text reveals two reasons for marginalizing such important verses. Here as elsewhere, Jesus' and New Testament theology is at odds with much of modern First World liberal or even conservative Christian doctrine on a variety of topics such as salvation, living faith, the fear of God... Secondly, like Christ's warnings against wealth without "spending it on behalf of the poor" in His stories of the Good Samaritan, Rich Young Ruler and the Sheep and the Goats, the vital message of the Rich Man and Lazarus doesn't bode well for affluent Churchianity. Sadly, we may be greatly misinterpreting the Bible’s true answer to the all important question “What must I do to be saved?”
The Bible speaks often in economic terminology, using words like rich and poor. Yet for most of us these terms seem completely relative. This raises the question, "richer or poorer than whom?"
Human nature is to judge our success against that of others, particularly those having more. For a variety of reason most of us feel entitled to better than we have. Aware and even sympathetic of the plight of others with less, even millions if not billions with far less, we nonetheless pursue greater wealth, possessions and privilege. Sadly, it's entitlement rather than thankfulness that best describes the majority of us today in First World Nations.
It's no stretch to say the average citizen of the modern world is fabulously rich. In comparison with more than half the Earth's current population and ninety nine percent of all human beings throughout history, we live lifestyles that in many ways exceed those of ancient kings and approaching those of mythological gods. It's as if we've inherited the hopes, dreams and prayers of all generations and then some! Constantly taking for granted such unparalleled blessings, we live largely unaware of our opulence. Even something as commonplace as a grocery store would be a marvel to most of humanity now and through the ages.
The dictionary definition of wealth is as follows:
wealth | noun: an abundance of valuable possessions or money : he used his wealth to bribe officials. The state of being rich; material prosperity : some people buy boats and cars to display their wealth. Plentiful supplies of a particular resource: the country's mineral wealth.
• [in sing. ] a plentiful supply of a particular desirable thing : the tables and maps contain a wealth of information. archaic: well-being; prosperity. ORIGIN Middle English welthe, from well 1 or weal 2 , on the pattern of health.
When considered in the broader sense as defined above, measuring wealth would include, but not be limited to, the following:
1. Economic prosperity: Globally over a billion people make less that $1 a day. By comparison, "every man's a king" within First World Nations.
2. Nutrition and hydration: The choices of food and drink available in the modern world are unprecedented in human history. An average supermarket contains 45,000 various products. Meanwhile over a billion are without safe drinking water and every 16 seconds someone dies of hunger.
3. Housing and sanitation: Eighty percent of the world live in substandard housing. Two billion are currently without electricity. Less than one percent of those who have lived on Earth have known the enjoyment of modern housing.
4. Science and technology: Those of us living in the First World would be lost without our modern advances. Thousands of products and services provide instant access to everything from essentials to extravagances. Just to meticulously catalogue and describe all the modern conveniences we benefit from would literally fill volumes.
5. Health and dental care: Our quality and quantity of preventative and diagnostic health care would seem miraculous for ninety nine percent of humanity having walked the Earth. Far from perfect, modern medicine adds decades to our lifespan while vastly improving the quality of our lives.
6. Safety and security: Like health, the blessings of safety are often overlooked until they are endangered. From stable geo-political boarders and a standing military to dependable law enforcement and legal system, billions currently enjoy unrivaled security and peace of mind.
7. Education and knowledge: It's almost impossible for modern society to appreciate the knowledge we've gained in the last few generations. How incredibly blessed we are, from our understanding the marvels of creation and insights into the human condition to public and advanced educational opportunities.
8. Communication: Billions don't a phone. With T.V. and radio, cell phones and the internet our ability to communicate rivals that of mythological gods. We take for granted instant access to people and information the likes of which ninety nine percent of humanity never dare dreamed of.
9. Business and employment opportunities: First World citizens enjoy fantastic advances in the workplace. From shortened work days and weeks to paid vacation and sick leave, half the world and all our ancestors would marvel at our ease. Unemployment benefits and worker's compensation were undreamed of in earlier times. As is true of our nearly endless possibilities for employment and advancement.
10. Transportation and travel: Only a small percentage of the world owns an automobile. Most today, and nearly all in ages past, traveled less in a lifetime than we might in a weekend. Not to mention the style and amenities we enjoy whether speeding around in air conditioned cars, flying through the air in jumbo jets or sailing the sea in a luxury liners.
11. Entertainment: For millennia children, pets and rudimentary musical instruments provided daily entertainment. Today, tens of thousands of TV shows and movies, music videos and recording artists instantly come to life wherever we are whenever we want. Add to this access to everything from art and science exhibits to common and extreme sports and we've got entertainment that would make Julius Caesar envious.
12. Clothing and accessories: Ninety nine percent of those having been born on Earth have struggled to cloth themselves and their families. Today we're drowning in apparel, often paying for a single garment what for billions might be a years wages. It goes without saying that most of humanity would have given just about anything to be in our shoes.
Another measure of wealth is disposable income. How much we spend and what we buy are indicators of the prosperity as well as the values of a society. Both can clearly be seen by the following:
- Eight billion dollars a year is spent on cosmetics in the U.S.
- Eleven billion dollars a year is spent on ice cream in Europe.
- Seventeen billion dollars is spent annually on pet food in the U.S. and Europe.
- Seventy billion dollars a year are generated globally by the movie and music industries.
- Over one hundred billion dollars is spent on alcohol each year in Europe alone.
- Globally, over four hundred billion dollars is spent on illegal drugs annually.
Wealth of Scripture
The Bible contains hundreds, if not thousands, of direct and indirect scriptures addressing the topic of wealth. The following are a handful of the more pertinent passages for our generation, starting with a line or two from Mary's Magnificat or Song:
- And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
- "Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. "Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have! "You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both." Matthew 6:19-24 The Message
- "Then Jesus turned to his disciples and said, “God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh." Luke 6:20-21
- "Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets. “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets." Luke 6:22-26 NIV
- "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Luke 12:32-34
- "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people’s things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?" Luke 16:10-12
- "Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, "The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all!" Luke 21:1-4 The Message
- "And the seed that fell in the weeds—well, these are the ones who hear, but then the seed is crowded out and nothing comes of it as they go about their lives worrying about tomorrow, making money, and having fun." Luke 18:14 The Message
- "On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers.' The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching." Mark 11:15-18
- "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs." 1 Timothy 6:6-10
- "Don't be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They'll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they're animals. Stay clear of these people." 2 Timothy 3:1-5 The Message
- "But there were also lying prophets among the people then, just as there will be lying religious teachers among you. They'll smuggle in destructive divisions, pitting you against each other—biting the hand of the One who gave them a chance to have their lives back! They've put themselves on a fast downhill slide to destruction, but not before they recruit a crowd of mixed-up followers who can't tell right from wrong. They give the way of truth a bad name. They're only out for themselves. They'll say anything, anything, that sounds good to exploit you... God is especially incensed against these "teachers" who live by lust, addicted to a filthy existence. They despise interference from true authority, preferring to indulge in self-rule. Insolent egotists...These people are nothing but brute beasts, born in the wild, predators on the prowl... They're so despicable and addicted to pleasure that they indulge in wild parties, carousing in broad daylight. They're obsessed with adultery, compulsive in sin, seducing every vulnerable soul they come upon. Their specialty is greed, and they're experts at it. Dead souls! They've left the main road and are directionless, having taken the way of Balaam, son of Beor, the prophet who turned profiteer, a connoisseur of evil... There's nothing to these people—they're dried-up fountains, storm-scattered clouds, headed for a black hole in hell. They are loudmouths, full of hot air, but still they're dangerous. Men and women who have recently escaped from a deviant life are most susceptible to their brand of seduction. They promise these newcomers freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption, for if they're addicted to corruption—and they are—they're enslaved. If they've escaped from the slum of sin by experiencing our Master and Savior, Jesus Christ, and then slid back into that same old life again, they're worse than if they had never left. Better not to have started out on the straight road to God than to start out and then turn back, repudiating the experience and the holy command. They prove the point of the proverbs, "A dog goes back to its own vomit" and "A scrubbed-up pig heads for the mud." 2 Peter 1- The Message
Misuse of Wealth
As mentioned, many significant New Testament passages clearly warn of eternal dangers of misusing worldly wealth in some or all its varieties. These include, but are hardly limited to Christ's Rich Man and Lazarus, Rich Young Ruler, Good Samaritan, Sheep and Goats. Mary's Magnificat. John the Baptist's alter call.
The Rich Man and Lazarus will be detailed shortly. The Good Samaritan and the Rich Young Ruler are also unique, as the only two passages where Jesus, the Ultimate Authority, is asked the ultimate question. How do I get to Heaven? In both accounts, Christ equates salvation with caring for one another. Particularly the needy.
This same thread is woven throughout Scripture. Consider Christ's quantum parable of the Sheep and Goats. Meant to be taken both literally and figuratively or literatively, it is an event that will take place at a designated future place and time. It is true that all of mankind will be separated into those entering “everlasting punishment” and “the righteous into eternal life.” It is not true that people are sheep and goats. Although “sheeple” often seems an apt metaphor. It is true that Jesus is “the savior of all men.”
Here and elsewhere, Scripture reveals that all humanity is loosed from the power of the first death through universal resurrection. A shared benefit of Christ’s costly atonement. It is not true that this translates to universal salvation. Just ask the goats. As well as “the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.” Here, according to Jesus, not only sins of commission, but omission, carry an eternal penalty:
- "But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, ‘Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’ And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.” Matthew 25:31-46
This crucial theme is further developed in the astonishing account of the Rich Young Ruler (RYR). Everything about the encounter is amazing. Again asked the ultimate question, Jesus omits Moses' directives to love God, citing only the commands dealing with our treatment of one another. Thus revealing Divinity so mercifully and fully identifies with the needy as to elevate loving our neighbor as God's preferred way of being loved. Just as in the Sheep and Goats and elsewhere. Further, the RYR is the only individual of whom we are told, "and Jesus, looking at him, loved him." High praise indeed. As were His next words, " “One thing you lack…" Only one thing? Good so far. But then, "Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, take up the cross, and follow Me."
Countless sermons have misidentified the RYR as a money worshiping idolater, but this is far from the case. Truth be told, millions if not billions, of Christian clergy and laity would be hard pressed to do as well in such a cross examination. More importantly, Jesus extend the same challenge to everyone in Luke’s version of the Sermon on the Mount: “Sell what you have and give alms; provide yourselves money bags which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches nor moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Interpreting, much less implementing Jesus’ more challenging directives, particularly those on riches, requires careful thought and understanding by even prophetic Christians hoping to grow in radical discipleship. Many great Christian thinkers and leaders have weighed in on these topics through both their teachings and examples, including the Apostles and martyrs. More recent contributors include such notables as Blaise Pascal, Søren Kierkegaard, Hudson Taylor, Praying Hyde, George Muller, Charles Finney, Smith Wigglesworth, Evan Roberts, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Brother Yun, Jackie Pullenger, etc.
One example of challenging insight comes from Søren Kierkegaard a 19th century Danish philosopher, theologian, poet, social critic, and religious author who is widely considered to be the first existentialist philosopher. Famous for his honest devotion, Kierkegaard explained our hesitancy to deal with such passages this way:
- “The matter is quite simple. The Bible is very easy to understand. But we Christians are a bunch of scheming swindlers. We pretend to be unable to understand it because we know very well that the minute we understand, we are obliged to act accordingly. Take any words in the New Testament and forget everything except pledging yourself to act accordingly. My God, you will say, if I do that my whole life will be ruined. How would I ever get on in the world? Herein lies the real place of Christian scholarship. Christian scholarship is the Church’s prodigious invention to defend itself against the Bible, to ensure that we can continue to be good Christians without the Bible coming too close. Oh, priceless scholarship, what would we do without you? Dreadful it is to fall into the hands of the living God. Yes it is even dreadful to be alone with the New Testament.”
- "Christianity “is the deepest wound that can be dealt to a person designed to collide with everything on the most appalling scale.”
Later, in John the Baptist's incredible alter call, Putting the "penance" in repentance, Scripture reinforces the need for a change of both attitude and action in the first of only two alter calls recorded in the New Testament. Establishing himself as the Baptist, John calls Israel to repentance yet note his accusation and its timing. In the middle of his audience obediently responds, he stops them short with a strange question:
- "Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him, “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” Luke 3:7
John seems to rubs Israel's nose in their unworthiness to even repent. And this before they had even met, much less rejected, their Messiah. The no doubt offended and perplexed church of his day, pressed by his menacing warnings, cried out in confusion:
- "So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” He answered and said to them, “He who has two tunics, let him give to him who has none; and he who has food, let him do likewise.” Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages."... And with many other exhortations he preached to the people." Luke 3:10
The concept of "Halt, about face, march!" is also reinforced in the old riddle, "When is a thief not a thief? The Biblical answer is not when someone stops stealing (that's just an out of work thief)...
- "If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need." Ephesians 4:28
- "One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, "Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple." Luke 14:25-27 The Message
Loving one's neighbor is so foundational to the faith that the greatest commandment to love God completely cannot be separated from it. Interestingly, when the two are separated it's loving our neighbor that's emphasized:
- "Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, 'You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.' These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law." Romans 13:8-10
- "What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well”—but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. Now someone may argue, 'Some people have faith; others have good deeds.' But I say, 'How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.' You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?" James 2:14-20
The Rich Man and Lazarus
One of the most important passages in the Bible is Christ's story of the Rich Man and Lazarus. Unique in all of Scripture, these verses reveal the only recorded conversation between human beings in the afterlife! Marking this account as even more fantastic is that the story is not a parable. Jesus uses no metaphorical introduction such as, "The Kingdom of Heaven (10 times in the NIV) or God (3 times in the NIV) is like..." Also the passage is based in real time on the lives of real people making use of real events. Additionally, unlike in parables, Jesus uses actual names to evidence the authenticity of the account. Except for the name of the rich man lost to eternal torment, in keeping with verses such as Proverbs 10:7 and perhaps for propriety sake.
Another compelling argument for non parable status is the subject matter. While the Bible is a large book, it's only one out of a Google estimate of 130 million. Not to mention 1.7 billion websites. That's a lot of competitive reading material. If Scripture is Divinely authentic, by logical inference, every iota is precise and packed full of meaning. This holds doubly true for the New Testament, given its slender size and supremely anointed authors. Since the ultimate concern of human existence is if and how can we be saved from death, Scripture should provide and reinforce the answer. While finding ways to continually emphasize the point.
Recording at least one actual conversation between human beings in the afterlife is a great way to pull back the curtain and inform mortal humanity of what awaits. As a real event, this singular story provides long awaited and necessary insight regarding the outcome of eternity on average men living average lives: "There was a certain rich man…at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus…" If, against all indications, the passage is reduced to a parable, Christ's language is misleading. Requiring some form of theological higher criticism to be understood seems to unnecessarily add insult to injury, while doing violence to the nature of the Son of God's Divine mandate:
- "If I have spoken to you about things which happen on this earth and you will not believe me, what chance is there that you will believe me if I tell you about what happens in Heaven?" John 3:12 PHILLIPS
- "I am the Agent of my Father in everything; and no one really knows the Son except the Father, and no one really knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him." Luke 10:22 TLB
Such considerations and more argue for this passage being among the most studied and taught. Ironically, it is among the least. Might such a disparity arise from is its fearful content and contention with modern church doctrine?
- "Jesus said, There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’ But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’ Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’ The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’ But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’” Luke 16:19-31
Comments on the Rich Man and Lazarus
Even a quick overview of this vital story yields several surprising insights and troubling aspects:
- How rich was the rich man? All we are told of the rich man is that he was a likely homeowner who dressed and ate well. It's doubtful his home and furnishings, wardrobe or menu were half as fantastic as the average First World citizen's.
- What was the rich man's sin? While Lazarus lay at the other's gate, we are left to assume the rich man knew of and ignored the beggar's plight. Outside of the possibility of the sin of omission, there is no record of wrong doing on the part of the rich man.
- "There is no virtue associated with Lazarus: Scripture is entirely silent as to any apparent faith or righteousness on Lazarus' part. In fact, such dire circumstances suggests quite the opposite. The Bible often assures God's provision to those faithfully seeking and serving Him.
- "Lazarus dies from exposure and is carried into safety by multiple angels. With nothing more than extreme poverty and alienation to commend him, the beggar is borne by angels to a place of paradise within Hell.
- "Upon death, the rich awakens in flaming torment. Rather than demanding an explanation the rich man humbly requests a few drops of water from Lazarus' hand to cool his tongue.
- "Abraham denies this modest request. The father of the Jews answers he's physically unable to comply with his great, great, great....grandson's request. Abraham lays no charge of sin against the one in torment. His only explanation is that on Earth the rich man had received "good things" and Lazarus "evil things." Now their roles would be eternally reversed!
- "The rich man becomes an evangelical. The tormented man immediately pleads for the salvation of his family. His charismatic request for an appearance of Lazarus to his father and five brothers is denied.
- "The man in torment repeats his request. Fearing his loved ones lack of respect for Scripture, he presses Abraham to send Lazarus. Again his request is denied.
To Whom Much is Given
Unlike the case of the rich man in this tragic and cautionary tale, Biblical canonization of both Old and New Testaments removes any excuse for ignorance in regards to extensive Scriptural warnings of coming judgment and eternal punishment for apathy and worldliness, rebellion and sin.
Recognizing the definition of riches and wealth includes "a plentiful supply of a particular desirable thing" it's apparent this includes power and authority. This being the case, we can trace the first misuse of wealth, power and authority to the original sin of the Archangel Lucifer himself. From antiquity, Satan and his army of fallen angels and demons have used their craft and cunning to continually tempt and deceive mankind. As the Devil, or Prosecutor, he accuses mankind day and night in Heaven's Supreme Court. Dating back before the dawn of time, Scripture reveals this trial will soon break out into full scale war ending in the angelic rebellion being cast out of Heaven and onto the Earth! At this point, Satan's covert temptations will escalate into the use of his vast influence and authority to empower the Antichrist to assume command of Earth and horribly persecute the church.
Until this time of terrible tribulation, billions living privileged lifestyles within First World Nations and beyond face a more subtle threat. The original sin of entitlement. A little searching reveals that entitlement is actually the taproot of all sin. Scripture describes the trinity of sin as being "the lust of the eye, the lust of the flesh and the sinful pride of life" (lust of the ego). All these arise from a lack of thankfulness, which is the opposite of entitlement. Little wonder giving thanks is one of Christianity's most important themes.
Few today think of themselves as rich. Certainly not as wealthy as the Rich Young Ruler whom Christ first commended and then criticized. Yet in light of technology, those of us fortunate enough to live in the modern world enjoy lifestyles that a thousand personal slaves couldn't have previously provided. Why the disconnect? Why aren't we the most thankful generation ever to live rather than jostling for position.
In a word, worldliness. Pandemic in today's society. Outside and inside modern Christianity. Through abortion alone it's clear to see the world, and even the church, tests positive for spiritual HIV/AIDS. Aborting a billion of our own offspring is surely a sign we have been infected with the insidious plague of entitlement.
Deepening our dilemma is Christ's dire warning, "to whom much is given much is required." Given our outrageous and continual misuse of the blessings we've been given, this tiny passage threatens to undo the modern world, thrusting us into judgement for our many sins in time and eternity:
- "You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him. Peter asked, "Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everyone?" The Lord answered, "Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their food allowance at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whom the master finds doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions. But suppose the servant says to himself, 'My master is taking a long time in coming,' and he then begins to beat the other servants, both men and women, and to eat and drink and get drunk. The master of that servant will come on a day when he does not expect him and at an hour he is not aware of. He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the unbelievers. "The servant who knows the master's will and does not get ready or does not do what the master wants will be beaten with many blows. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked." Luke 12:42-48
If we are wise, which often we are not, we'll accept Scripture's insight that the secret to human happiness is filling our empty souls, not by amassing worldly pleasures, but by cultivating the miraculous fruit of the Spirit, "Love, joy, peace..." Each infinitely and eternally priceless. All derivatives of the Bible's offer to be "filled with all the fullness of God."
Thus increasing in godliness, rather than wealth, should be our primary pursuit. Particularly since the New Testament repeatedly warns that these two goals are not only at odds with each other but diametrically opposed. A point made by a myriad of passages, including the Rich Man and Lazarus (the only conversation between humans in eternity recorded in the Bible) and Rich Young Ruler (one of only two times Jesus is asked directly how to get to Heaven).
Along these lines, Paul admonished his spiritual son Timothy, and by extension all Christians, to "Take with me your share of hardship [passing through the difficulties which you are called to endure], like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier in active service gets entangled in the [ordinary business] affairs of civilian life; [he avoids them] so that he may please the one who enlisted him to serve."
Jesus comments directly on the controversy in no uncertain terms:
1. "No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord]." Most have heard of this passage, but can't quote it correctly. Only a tiny fraction have taken even ten minutes wrestling with its implications.
A primary reason is our having been taught to substitute presumption for faith. After all, if we're going to assume salvation because of simple belief (demons also believe) or saying a special prayer (warned against by Jesus), why not go all the way?
Revealing a fuller meaning of Christ's message is as easy as plugging words into Jesus' equation. First, let's summarize all that mammon might mean into a more common and expansive word like wealth. Next, just do the algebra. There are two options:
- "...he will either hate wealth and love God, or he will be devoted to wealth and despise God."
Or the converse:
- "...he will either hate God and love wealth, or he will be devoted to God and despise wealth."
With so much at stake, it's high time Christians recognize our immense physical and spiritual blessing and begin seeking God as seriously as we do wealth. Let's strive to be thankful and stop taking God and His gifts for granted. Working out our "salvation with fear and trembling" let's learn to approach God acceptably, loving Him as He deserves and our neighbors as ourselves.
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