What Would You Say?

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 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;

23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.

26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.

27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:

28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

--Luke 16:19-31

Last night I dreamt that if I had heard a message from someone lost in the awaiting judgement of hell, to warn their family not to come where they are. That's a scary thought right. I think Jesus explained it all perfectly well here in this parable. However, it isn't strictly a parable. The rich man isn't named, but the poor beggar, Lazarus, is. This parable is based off of a true story.

As I pondered, I couldn't help letting my mind go over all the times I have seen a man or a woman standing on the side of the road asking for change. How many times have I thought to myself, "why won't they just hold up a sign asking for work, to earn their money?" That thought revealed something of myself. I have been blessed. I may not have a huge, fine house set on many acres with a fence going all around and a gate for entry, but I have a roof over my head. I may not have a brand-new car that cost far more than it's worth, but I have a dependable car that I love. My husband may not bring home a six-figure paycheck, but we don't go without. Who am I to sit back and ask such a question, even to myself, instead of just meeting someone's immediate need?

The sad part of this story is, the rich man knew Lazarus by name, and still didn't help him. He awaited torment, heat, fire, and judgement for living a blessed life and not helping a man he knew to be need out of the abundance of his blessing. Do we have people in our lives like that? Is there a family member or just a person you encounter regularly that you know of that is in need, yet because they don't act in a way you'd approve of, you choose not to help them? I think all of us have come across a situation like this in life. What would you do with the blessings God has given you? Would you spare some change, some food, a hug, some kindness, a prayer? Would you take some time out of your busy day to love on someone in need, even if they are a beggar? What did Jesus say?

Luke 5:32 "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance."

We aren't supposed to look on at people in judgement, but in love for the soul that could die feeling lost and unloved. We are supposed to share the gospel. The good news that the Son of God came to this world to give life more abundantly. To take away their sin, and pain, and judgement, and place it on the cross at calvary. To give them a new heart, a renewed mind, a new life. That He bore that punishment so we wouldn't have to. Then He arose as the first fruits of the resurrection to show us, our eternal home is forever secure, if we would just repent, and receive, and believe all of this is ours, and theirs as well.

In summation, love God. Be grateful for every blessing. Out of your abundance, of both love, salvation, and finances, give and meet the needs of those you may encounter. Love Him first and let the love He has given overflow to the hearts of individuals we encounter in this life. Meet their need without hypocrisy, without judgement, without question. Love people because He does. Be His arm extended. Time is far too short to be wasted. If someone could come back from hell and beg you to warn their family, what would you say? Seek the Lord, while there is time. Love Him, love people. Live holy, and sanctified. Share Him.

Be blessed by being a blessing.