Date: Saturday, 2nd September, 2023
Text: Luke 16: 19-31
Author: Pastor Adedeji Fadehan
Exhortation:
The rich man in today’s text did not go to Hell because he was rich but because he had no compassionate heart towards the needy and less privileged. For example he ignored the needs of Lazarus, a poor beggar that laid hungry and sick outside his house. His dogs even licked the sores of the poor man. But, you know, every problem has an expiry date, so one day Lazarus died and angels carried him to paradise where he was comforted.
The rich man also died and was buried. Immediately he closed his eyes in death, he opened it in Hell. He became thirsty from his torment in hell, and asked Lazarus to give him some water, but Lazarus was unable to cross the divide between heaven and hell.
When saints die, they are immediately in the conscious fellowship and joys of heaven. Luke 23:43. Conversely, when sinners die, they are just as immediately in the conscious pain, suffering, and torment of hell. Luke 16:22-23.
In agony from the fire of Hell, the rich man then requested that Abraham go warn his five siblings that were still living, but Abraham said they had already been told through Moses and the prophets. If they still didn’t heed the Word of God through the men of God on Earth, one more person from the dead warning them wouldn’t make them believe either.
The above story told by the Lord Jesus Christ serves as a warning that we are to use our wealth to help those in need. The Bible says, “For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land”. Deuteronomy 15:11
The word of God also says, “Giving help to the poor is like loaning money to the Lord. He will pay you back for your kindness.” Proverbs 19:17. Every time we help someone in need God takes it personal. Matthew 25:31-46. Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker. Proverbs 17:5.
Jesus said in Luke 12:48 that ‘to whom much is given, much is expected’ and that explains the expectation from those who are given “much” wealth. The more God blesses us materially, the more He expects us to help those in need.
Prayer Nugget: Father, I ask for the heart and passion to help the poor and vulnerable in Jesus name.