The story of the rich man and Lazarus is disturbing and perhaps intentionally so. It should make us see the seriousness of living in conflict with God. The choices that we make in this life have huge implications for how we will fare in the next. A cause of our uneasiness when reading this is perhaps the consciousness that we are the rich ones in the world today. But let’s be clear about this: the rich man did not go to hell because he was rich and the poor man did not go to heaven because he was poor. The key clue here is the presence of Abraham in the story. How was Abraham made right with God? He was, after all, a very wealthy man. The Scriptures are very clear that Abraham was justified by faith (Romans 4). He entrusted himself to God. That is faith. People can’t be convinced to trust God if they are unwilling. This is the point that Abraham makes in his dialogue with the rich man who asks that Abraham send Lazarus to warn his family. They won’t be convinced to turn back to God, Abraham says, even if they saw a dead person rise. What does it take for us to believe enough to surrender ourselves to God? All the proof in the world will not induce faith. The heart must be willing. Are you willing to give your life to Jesus? If you answer ‘Yes’, then let your faith be authenticated by your life. Which kingdom will you build and what kind of wealth will you pursue?
Consider this passage as a warning and examine yourself before God.
Read Luke 16:19-31
