Bible Reading: Amos 6:1a, 4-7 & Luke 16:19-31
Dear Friends
Parables, as I’ve said before, give a glimpse into the kingdom of God. They bring to life the values what we’ve sometimes called the kingdom logic that Jesus proclaims. And they reveal something of the character and heart of God. In the case of this week’s parable in Luke 16:19-31, the message is reasonably clear: God cares deeply for those in need and will bring a measure of justice to them in time. This shouldn’t surprise us. Before Jesus was born his mother sang a song that talked about God’s promise and intention to feed the hungry and send the rich away empty.
But I’m not sure the issue is only about poverty and riches. It is also what we see. Note, for instance, that although Lazarus lives just outside the rich man’s door, the man has never noticed him, never paid him any heed, never even acknowledged him, let alone helped him. The dogs were more attentive to Lazarus than this wealthy man. Yet in the afterlife he knows his name. Apparently, the rich man did know of Lazarus’ existence but ignored him, shut his eyes intentionally so as not to have to look at him. Not only that, but in the afterlife the rich man expects Lazarus to do his bidding as a servant, speaking not to him but instead asking Abraham to send Lazarus to him.
Here is the issue of the parable, then. How do we treat others, and especially those in need? Are we even willing to see them, to acknowledge them, to allow their claims on us as fellow human beings and children of God to make a demand on our lives? Much hangs on how we answer this question.
Just one more note a parable like this can be upsetting because it seems to deal with our eternal destiny and for this reason seems to call into question much of what we may have learned or heard about whether we are justified by faith or works. But, again, keep in mind, Jesus didn’t tell parables to offer a complete definition or even picture of salvation. He told parables to make a point, to offer just a glimpse into the kingdom and heart of God. And what we can tell from this parable is that God wants us to see, to care for, and to love those in need. And if we won’t, then God most certainly will.
Solomzi