“There once was a rich man, expensively dressed in the latest fashions,
wasting his days in conspicuous consumption. A poor man named Lazarus,
covered with sores, had been dumped on his doorstep. All he lived for was
to get a meal from scraps off the rich man’s table.” 

(Luke 16:19-21, MSG)

This week we continue our series the Short Stories by Jesus.  Our story is not a very familiar one, but it is one packed with lessons for us to ponder. It is the story about a two very different men, who lived very different lives and experienced a very different afterlife!  You can read it for yourself in Luke 16:19-31.

Are you someone who notices your surroundings?  Someone who walks into a room and takes stock of everyone and everything in that space?  Or a person who is always hyper aware of their circumstances?  I am not one of those people!  I try to be alert, notice people around me, aware of my surroundings…but sometimes I forget or I get distracted.  (Truth: I am easily distracted!) 

Our story this week is about two men.  The first is a man, without a name, who was entirely too self-aware.  So much so that he didn’t notice anyone or anything. He lived a lavish life and only thought of himself and his own comfort.  The second is a poor man named Lazarus, whose name means “God has helped”.  Lazarus was so sick that he couldn’t even beg. His best friends were the dogs who would come and lick his sores. 

I have heard it said that death is the great equalizer.  In this story, death brings about a great roll reversal.  Lazarus goes to Heaven, healed and in the presence of God.  While the rich man goes to Hades and is tormented.  Even in the depths of hell, he makes demands but his earthly wealth and prestige are stripped away.

This is a story of humility and compassion.  We should never think of ourselves so highly that we can’t see those around us.  Or seek to elevate ourselves in society to the detriment of others. Compassion is taking notice of our surroundings and going a step further to help those who are in need.  So, how can we turn this story around, change the outcome, make a difference?  What does humility and compassion look like to you in your everyday life?

Blessings,
Pastor Jenni

‘Child, remember that in your lifetime you got the good things and Lazarus
the bad things. It’s not like that here. Here he’s consoled and you’re tormented.’

(Luke 16:25, MSG)