Luke tells us of two men who lived "in two different worlds" and finally when life was over they were still separated . . . and that forever. (Luke 10:19-31) Perhaps, there are many things to be noticed in this, but one thing stands out plainly: the rich man never cared enough to see the situation of Lazarus. The rich man reveled in his luxury; wearing purple and fine linen. This was very expensive. Luke says he did it "every day." He had plenty to eat and to spare.

On the other hand, Lazarus was poor ... even to the point of begging. This word epiphumon is a participle and names his action. He desired to satisfy his hunger with the crumbs which fell from the rich mans table. Not only was he a beggar, but Luke says he was full of ulcerated sores and "laid" (that is he was laid) at his gate. This poor man was helpless. Evidently someone would carry him to this place, and in this sad condition, the dogs came and licked his sores?

Then And Now

With the scenes of this world over, the record gives us an abrupt change to the other world. It is here that the rich man calls for mercy, but Abraham says, "Son, remember that thou in thy life-time receives thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented." The rich man just did not do what he should have done while he lived. After death came he could not do anything to change his situation. He had been his own master in his lifetime, but now time has run out and the Lord has absolute control! And beside the fact that he had lived for himself. and received full), therefrom, now in the anguish of torments, a great gulf is fixed between the bosom of Abraham and Tartarus. Thus, there are no possibilities of changing places. Realizing that this is now and forever his lot, he becomes concerned with his "fathers house."

Their Sufficiency

He is concerned about his five brothers! Isnt it peculiar that lie apparently never showed any concern about them while lie lived? Now. when he can do absolutely nothing about their cause lie makes petition that something be done so that they will not come to the place where lie is. Abraham informs him that they have Moses and the prophets and that they must hear them. That is. they must hear and obey what Moses and the prophets of God had written. This would be sufficient to keel) them away from the place where the rich man had gone.

What About You?

Our blessed Lord has died and been raised for our justification. He sent the apostles into the world to preach the good news of his resurrection, and promised to save all who believe it and are baptized (Mark 10: 15, 10). This is sufficient to save every sinner in the whole world! Are you going to be satisfied to live for yourself? Remember the case of the rich man! Besides the dullness and loneliness and emptiness, there will come that great gulf that divides forever. Consider carefully the rich provisions of God for you and do not wait to obey him. You will be safe inside (2 Tim. 2: 10).

"Shim"

What is "shim?" It is a combination of "she" and "him" used by a young saint to describe her long-haired male contemporaries. It is a he trying to look like a she, but looking more like an it. The long-haired males in their rebellion care not what us old folks (over thirty I think, or what God says (1 Cor. I 1: 14), but they cannot easily ignore the judgment of their peers.

May God bless the righteous young as they strike to serve Him in these trying times, and give us the humility and wisdom to learn from them.

TRUTH MAGAZINE XVII: 8, p. 2
December 21, 1972