September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 the Voice Bible
Psalm 146:1-5, 10 the Message Bible
1 Timothy 6:17-19 NIV Bible
Whom Shall I Trust?
A reading from the book of St. Luke; chapter 16 verses 19-31; The Rich Man and Lazarus (I’m reading from the Voice Bible translation):
Jesus often spoke in parables to teach the people around Him. These parables were told in a way that they would understand what Jesus was talking about. . . much like the stories that we tell our children so that they would understand what we are trying to teach them. This parable has really made me stop and think about how I am living my own life. What do my actions say about who I am and my faith in God? In whom or what do I trust. . . ?
This rich man had to pass Lazarus each and every day but this rich man chose to look in the other direction. He lived a life of luxury but kept it all to himself. He relied on his own money and not God’s providence. He had all the good things in life but did not share the blessing. We are blessed to be a blessing. Was this man afraid to trust God for his “daily bread”? Did he trust in his worldly wealth over his heavenly wealth?
This rich man spent his life living for himself and did not “care” for. . . was not concerned about. . . his own family. . . he did not share about God in his life time. . . did not share about God’s goodness and mercy and providence while he was alive. He was actually to late in his sharing. . . while he was alive he wanted someone else to teach his family instead of doing it himself. His concern for others didn’t happen until it was too late. . . he was already dead and being tormented in the “land of the dead.” Did he really believe God’s word about how he should live his life? Why did he wait until it was too late? Why are there blinders on some who rely on the worlds treasures and not on the treasures of heaven?
In death. . . this rich man learned that doing what is right has eternal consequences as well as ignoring what is right. Now don’t get me wrong. . . this rich man probably thought that he was righteous before God. He more than likely went to the temple each time and called on the name of the Lord. (We know this because he called Abraham “Father Abraham”. . . he knew what the scriptures said about his heritage as a Jew and that he was a descendent of Abraham) He probably even thought that he was prosperous because he was righteous. This man could look past the beggar. This beggar must have done something wrong to be in the situation he was in. This must have been god’s punishment for this man called Lazarus. My question is. . . how did he know the beggars name if he really didn’t take notice of him. . . hmmm...?
Well I am sure that this rich man had a big surprise when he died. He probably thought that someone messed up. . . he was righteous and didn’t deserve what he was getting. Righteousness and love for God causes us to reach out to those around us who are lacking. . . it causes us to care about others. . . it causes us to continue the work that Christ did while He walk this earth. . . it causes us to feed and clothe those who are less fortunate than we are. . . it causes us to share the blessing. This man did not live out his faith by showing compassion, love and mercy. He ignored Lazarus who was right under his nose. . . ”
And then we have the other character of this parable. . . we have Lazarus. . . now. . . Lazarus had nothing. He relied on God’s grace and providence each and every moment of his life. He seemed to be invisible to those around him. He was so hungry that he was willing to eat whatever fell on the ground from this rich man’s table (which must have been a lot if he would be able to survive on it. . . what a wasteful man this rich guy must have been). He had no one to advocate for him. . . no one who cared enough about him to help in his time of need. This poor beggar didn’t even have a chance to tell others about how God had provided for him in his life (remember. . . this man was virtually invisible. No one wanted to be near him. He must have had a stench about him with those sores and all. . . he probably had not taken a bath in a very long time. . . ). Even in his death he was unable to reach out and help. . . to share about God’s providence to him with the rich man’s brothers. . . to help them make a change in their lives. Or does this Lazarus’s life able to help others generations after his death? What lessons can we. . . the descendents of Abraham. . . learn from this parable? What or who does this parable make you and I think of? Is this man, in the parable, teaching. . . reaching down from heaven to share water that will quench our thirst. . . about God and His goodness and providence? I think so. . . Whom shall we trust. . . the world and it’s riches or Heaven and it’s eternal riches. . . The way of the world or the way of God. . . Life on earth or life eternal? You choose. . .
So what are some ways that we can reach out to others. . . those who are invisible to society at times? Well. . . yesterday there were two walks that did just that. Two walks that made a difference in someone’s life. There was the walk for Juvenile Diabetes and the CROP walk for hunger. These walks helped those who are not able to do it on their own. These walks showed them someone cared. These walks were answers to prayers. . . they were the sharing of God’s blessings with others so that they too may be blessed.
Another way that we as a church reach out is through the Our Family’s Table. There are people there who are in need. . . people come to be with one another. . . to share the load with one another. . . to have the sense of a family that cares. This is a way that we share and show God’s goodness in our lives and in the lives of those who are served.
You see. . . the moral of this story is that weather rich or poor. . . the only way to heaven is faith in Jesus. . . and that faith causes obedience. . . which causes us to be in mission in the world. . . sharing the Good News of hope, compassion and love; not with just our words but also in what we do. Is there someone in your life who needs your help? Is there someone you know who needs to hear about God’s goodness. . . and not only hear but see it in action? Is there someone you know who needs a “wake-up call” about how they are living their life? Why not share with them? Find a Lazarus and show them God’s love and meet their need. . . find a rich man and tell them about Jesus and His ministry on earth. You never know when it will be too late. . .
Let us pray. . . Loving, Eternal God. . . we thank you for your word and how it teaches us to live a life that is righteous and good in your sight. We pray that you would help us to see those who are invisible around us. . . give us eyes to see the world as you see it. . . embolden us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. . . help us to find ways to reach those who seem to be unreachable for your glory and the glory of our eternal home in Jesus Christ. . .
Amen. . .
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
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Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
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