Dwight L. Moody: “I will rather beg on earth for bread like Lazarus than beg for water in Hell like the rich man.”
The Parable: The rich man was not conscious of the presence of a poor man who was just at his gates. He had sumptuous meals, while Lazarus longed for food, and probably went hungry many times. Both died. Lazarus was escorted to heaven by angels. The rich man had 21 gun-salute state honors bestowed funeral. However, he ends up in hell. He could see Lazarus, recognize him, and understand that Lazarus was with Abraham. He longed for water and begged Abraham to allow Lazarus to drop water from his fingertips to his parched tongue. Abraham rejected that request. (Luke 16:19-31)
Poor in what?: Lazarus was poor in terms of material things. First, he neither had a home nor a piece of land. Second, he probably did not have the skills to work. Even if he had skills, he did not have the tools and opportunities to work and earn. Third, he did not have the money to buy any food and had to be content with being at the receiving end of the rich. Hence, he had to beg to survive in this world.
Rich in what?: The rich man had enough and surplus material things. First, he had a spacious home with many rooms. Second, he had income-generating assets. Third, he could have a choice of food. Fourth, he was a respected citizen or a ruler who had great influence.
True riches: The poor man Lazarus had true riches. First, he had the right relationship with God. Second, he was content, and his godliness, based on his faith, was a great gain. (I Timothy 6:6) Third, he had an eternal perspective, and his life did not end in this world. Hence, he was not involved in wicked ways to gain wealth, like robbing or violence. Fourth, his hope in eternal life was realized when the angels escorted him to heaven. Five, Lazarus had an eternal home promised by the Savior. (John 14:1)
Do I have the true riches?