I’m not exactly sure where I first heard the story of the rich Sultan who stored all of his costly treasure in the deep, dark, basement of his palace. At the entrance he placed a ferocious howling dog warning throughout the night that his riches were being kept under constant guard. This “security system” served him well for some time: that is until his dog suddenly died. Not able to find an immediate replacement and fearing that any “would-be thieves” might discover its absence, the Sultan felt he had only one choice. And from that day on, it was said, that if you passed by the palace any hour of the day or night, you could hear the Sultan howling in the darkness, until a suitable replacement could eventually be found. Jesus taught that we cannot serve two masters. Riches are meant to serve us, and not the other way around.
It's interesting, how much of Jesus teaching is devoted to helping us understand the proper
place money should hold in the life of the Christian. After all, it has been an essential ingredient for our natural survival since time began. In Luke chapter 16, Jesus tells two stories that both begin with the phrase “there was a certain rich man.” (16:1&19) One emphasizes the eternal rewards awaiting those who invest their resources in the kingdom of God; the other warns of the everlasting torments prepared for those who live only for themselves. It’s a passage full of striking contrasts meant to steer us away from the value system of the world and inspire us to embrace the life that God Himself holds dear. For that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. (vs.15)
Our focus this morning was on “The Rich Man and Lazarus,” as told in verses 19 through 31. Is it significant that the beggar Lazarus is mentioned by name while the rich man is simply portrayed as an anonymous other? The one despised by the world is given a special place of honor in the Lord’s narrative. The rich man is full, royally dressed and fares sumptuously every day. Lazarus is hungry, clothed in rags and covered with sores. The only compassion he finds is from those who daily lay him at the rich man’s gate, and the dogs that gently lick his festering wounds. It makes you wonder, “How often do you have to step over a dying man before your heart completely turns to stone?” ... or was it something else that served as the catalyst that blinded the rich man’s eyes to every other need but his own? We may never know for certain what circumstances in life brought him to that condition, but we can be sure it was his untimely death that sealed it.
It appears that Lazarus died first and was carried by the angels into the loving embrace of Father Abraham. When the time came for the rich man to leave this world, the Bible simply states, “the rich man also died and was buried.” “And in hell, he lifted up his eyes, being in torments.” (i.e., Torments of regret for the selfish way he lived on earth; of lost opportunities to repent and live better; and the tormenting fires of burning passions that would forever go unsatisfied. Not to mention the torments of a guilty conscious, standing naked before a holy God). We can’t help but ask the question, “Who’s the beggar now?”
As intriguing as this story is with regard to the afterlife, it doesn’t appear that was the Lord’s original intent in telling it. However, it seems to me by implication, that the rich man knew he was where he deserved to be, though not where he wanted to be. And whether actual or figurative, the gulf between them speaks volumes. Namely, that once you die your destiny is sealed. There is no escape. And there is no hope of relief for the ungodly. As troubling as these truths are to us, we can rest in the fact that the Righteous Judge will make no mistakes on that day. Everyone in hell will know they deserve to be there, while everyone in heaven will know that they don’t … but for the blood of Jesus.
Sadly, the story ends with one final “If only.” This one, not for himself, but for his family back on earth. There might still be hope for his brothers if only Lazarus could return from the dead to warn them of the fate that awaits them. Abraham disagrees. Their salvation doesn’t depend upon insufficient witness or lack of the miraculous: “they have Moses and the prophets.” It’s their lack of interest in God’s Kingdom, their love of pleasure, and unwillingness to listen… unless repented of these will be the nails that seal their coffins.
Hardness of heart comes by much practice. Selfish choices and daily neglect subtly dull our senses and us drain us of Christ’s compassion. “Today, if you will hear His voice, (in His Word and in the cries of the needy), harden not your hearts…” (Heb.3:15) THERE STILL MAY BE TIME TO ESCAPE!