We are all prone to being deceived by appearances. We think that what we see is an accurate reflection of what lies in the heart. Put together on the outside must mean put together on the inside. The story of the rich man and Lazarus is meant to curb us from making such judgments and drawing our attention to what actually makes a man good before God Himself. The rich man certainly looked the part of a godly man. He was well thought of by his peers and his community. And he certainly imagined that he was a godly man. But his heart was far from God. He trusted in his own goodness, that God would be pleased with how well he had done for himself. And for that, the rich man found himself suffering the eternal torments of hell, without a single drop of the mercy he had despised in this life. If we would receive the good things of God, we must become in heart like Lazarus - a poor beggar. We must recognize that every good thing we have comes only from the gracious hand of God. We must lie at God’s gate and seek what can only be given by mercy - the forgiveness of all our sins. Then, and only then, will we be found with Lazarus resting in the bosom of Abraham, being fed, not simply scraps, but the richest food and the finest wine from the Lord’s table - the very Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ. I look forward to seeing you, all of my fellows beggars, this coming Lord’s Day to feast in the kingdom of God.
Pastor Ulmer
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