And He Died
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried. And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Luke 16:22, 23
Read John 11:25-27
Both rich and poor face the same future, namely, death. Do you ever think of the fact that one day you must die? If there is one thing we have in common with both the rich man and poor Lazarus it is this. What will the result of your death be? In addressing this issue we are coming to the real purpose of this parable. Are we ready to die?
Does the fact that we are all going to die mean that we are not allowed to have riches and possessions in this life? Of course not! But we must realize that there should be proper balance with respect to riches and poverty. Does that mean that we must go through life in a downcast sort of way, always thinking about death? No. Yet, to never give it any thought is foolishness.
The beggar died. He remained poor to the day of his death. But, in giving this beggar the name Lazarus, the Lord Jesus has already declared that he was actually rich; his name means, Whose help is God. Lazarus was a God-fearing man, and the Lord Jesus revealed what happened to him when he died. Angels came to receive him into heaven. While on earth no one had cared for him, but when he died the angels carried him into Abraham’s bosom. By this term we are given the image of a banquet in middle-eastern countries where the participants lie on long benches enjoying a feast. The beggar received a place of honour at this feast! This post was not given to him because he was so poor, but because God had become his strength and hope.
Thought: When we are weak in ourselves, we may be made strong in the Lord.
Psalter 128:1 (based on Psalm 46) God is our refuge and our strength. A helper ever near us; We will not fear tho earth be moved, For God is nigh to cheer us. Although the mountains quake And earth’s foundations shake, Tho angry billows roar And break against the shore, Our mighty God will hear us.
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