The Rich Man & Lazarus
(Part 2 of 3)
Today, we look closely at verses 24 through 26 in Luke Chapter 16. There are some word studies that require investigation so that we fully understand these graphic verses. If you missed last week’s Sunday’s Knowledge Nugget #004, take the time to go back and read it. This “knowledge nugget” will pick up where that left off.
In verse 24, the rich man begs Father Abraham to have pity on him. The rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus:
“to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.”
Luke 16:24b (NIV)
We know that Hades is hot. So much so that the rich man is “dying” of thirst. Verse 24 is full of contrast. Originally, it was Lazarus that was seeking out the Rich Man for relief from hunger. Now it is the Rich Man seeking out Lazarus for relief from thirst. Originally, all that Lazarus wants are the crumbs that fall from the Rich Man’s table. Now, all that the Rich Man wants is the tip of Lazarus’ finger to be dipped in water for that one drop of water to cool his tongue.
Reading verse 25:
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.”
Luke 16:25 (NIV)
It is fitting that Abraham addresses the rich man as “son” because he is indeed a descendant of Abraham. The rich man probably was remembering his upbringing which includes teachings on holy living and Jewish law. Next, Abraham says to “remember” which is what those in Hades will do every day. They will remember what could have been if they had done things differently. Abraham reminds the rich man that he has received good things while Lazarus received bad things while they were both alive. Now, after death, it is the other way around. The rich man will have plenty of time to remember. How foolish of the rich man to waste a lifetime on material wealth without the love of God and now to spend eternity remembering what could have been. His lifetime of flamboyant living is a mere minuscule fraction of a picosecond of time, i.e. infinitesimally small amount of time, compared to the time he will now spend in torment — ETERNITY. And all he can do is remember, remember, remember…
And the last verse that we will cover today is verse 26:
“And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.”
Luke 16:26 (NIV)
In the King James Version, the word “chasm” is translated “gulf” whereas the original Greek word is “chásma” which means impassable interval. With the addition of the word “fixed,” we understand that the separation of Heaven and Hades will never be passable. Not that anybody in Heaven would want to visit Hades nor could anyone in Hades escape to Heaven. Once death departs us from this world, the next life is for eternity. Reflect on that for a few minutes. Who are you more like; the Rich Man or Lazarus? Do you think God is trying to tell you something?
If you feel a need to talk with Pastor Dave about your future, please don’t hesitate to use the Contact Us form. Your eternal life very much depends on the choices you make now in this life as this story illustrates. Some scripture that you may wish to read are John 3:1-21 and Romans 10:8-13.
Next week we will finish this story by reading verses 27 through 31. You don’t want to miss that one! See you then…
That will be a wrap for today. You all have been great. I especially appreciate the eMails from folks that either let me know how this ministry has helped them or sent me ideas on content that I could publish. With that, I leave you by speaking this blessing over you:
“I pray that the Lord
will bless and protect you,
and that he will show you mercy
and kindness.
May the Lord be good to you
and give you peace.”
Numbers 6:24-26 (CEV)
Pastor Dave