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.
