Money and Goods
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen,
and fared sumptuously every day. And there was a certain
beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores.
Luke 16:19,20
Read Matthew 7:1-12
On a You-Tube video, an elderly lady from South Africa, whose father had
fought in the Boer War against the English, was interviewed. She asked her
interviewer whether he knew the reason the Boer War was fought in the
first place. She said it was fought for one reason—the desire for gold. When
diamonds and gold were discovered, England’s attitude toward the Boers
changed dramatically.
This happens very often. Nations are ready to fight and die for the gold of
this world. Who would not like to become rich? Wars have been fought over
gold claims, and many have laid down their lives to possess the wealth that
gold brings. How do you regard riches?
In our Scripture passage we meet a rich man. We must remember that the
Lord Jesus was telling a parable, but that does not take away from the reality
that the rich and poor live side by side in society. However, in this narrative
the Lord seeks to teach one main lesson. The rich man lacked nothing as he
lived from one social event to the next, while a poor beggar lay at the gate
of this rich man’s estate. He did not lie at the gate of a neighbour, but at the
gate leading to his home. In all probability the gate had a prestigious name
attached to it because of its wealthy owner. Perhaps the beggar decided to
sit there with the hope that he might be seen by the owner. Maybe he would
notice him every day again. By now you are probably beginning to understand
the Lord Jesus’ purpose in telling this story. What needs have you
come across at the gate of your life?
Thought: There are many needs at the gates of our lives.
Psalter 136: 1,4 (based on Psalm 49)
Dust to dust the mortal dies, Both the foolish and the wise;
None forever shall remain, Each must leave his hoarded gain.
Yet within their heart they say That their houses are for aye,
That their dwelling places grand Shall for generations stand.
Though in life he wealth attained, Tho the praise of men he gained,
He shall join those gone before, Where the light shall shine no more.
Crowned with honor tho he be, Highly gifted, strong and free,
If he be not truly wise, Man is like the beast that dies.
