Luke 16:19-24 - Gracious in our blessings

Scripture:

 

Luke 16:19-24

19 "Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day.

20 "And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores,

21 and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man's table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores.

22 "Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's bosom; and the rich man also died and was buried.

23 "In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 "And he cried out and said, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.'
NASU

 

 

Thoughts:

 

In this parable, Jesus introduces the first character as a wealthy man (verse 19).  At this time in Israel, purple clothing would have been extremely expensive due to the dye used to make it, and therefore was a way to communicate ones wealth.  This man is pictured as living a life of ease and prosperity.

 

Secondly is Lazarus, a poor, disabled beggar (verse 20).  Hoping for some small amount of food from the rich man just to survive (verse 21), he begs at his gate.  However, the rich man has no concern for him.

 

Death brings the twist in this story (verse 22).  Lazarus receives a righteous reward, and the rich man, punishment (verse 23-24).  How quickly we cry out for mercy when the shoe is on the other foot!

 

In our sinful nature, when we have authority, power, luxury, or just some sort of advantage, we tend to want everyone to know it.  Humility, caring for others, and preserving their dignity can be far from our concern.  To our shame, like the rich man here, the compassion of dogs may be greater than our own (verse 21).

 

But suddenly, roles can be reversed.  We then find ourselves longing for the mercy that we would not give when we had the chance (verse 24).  May this never be true of us!

 

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, let me not be proud and even abusive toward others in any areas where I find I have some advantage.  Let me remember that any blessing I have is because of Your grace and goodness. 

 

Help me to extend that mercy and grace to others, walking humbly before You and so beautifully displaying You to those around me.  By Your power. 

 

Amen

Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.