17 JUNE

THE RICH MAN WENT TO HELL

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.”

(Luke 16:19-23)

The rich man loved his money and the luxuries of life and had no time for God. The current plethora of prosperity preaching has given the impression that wealth and financial blessings may be a proof of righteousness, just like the belief of the Pharisees in Jesus’ time. What a shock it must have been to the people that the Chairman, Chief Launcher and maybe “philanthropist” at many functions went to hell!

Was it because he was rich? Of course not! He never gave where he had nothing to gain. He was proud, selfish and hard hearted. He did nothing to feed, care or provide for this poor beggar, Lazarus, who sat at his gate every evening, waiting to pick food from the trash bags when they were brought out. He ignored him day after day. Sometimes he even warned him not to sit in front of his gates with his tattered and dirty clothes. He had an ultra-modern wardrobe full of clothes and shoes he had not used in the last 10 years yet he gave none out!

That reminds me of an experience I had in my early years in Lagos. I had this Peugeot car which broke down just in front of a popular fabric shop in Ikeja. I came down to beg that we be allowed to push it into one of the parking spaces for repairs to avoid sanctions from the traffic wardens. I cannot forget how this classy and exquisitely dressed lady looked me up and down and told me she could not allow “that” car in her parking lot. To God’s glory, the car was fixed in a short while and we moved on from the road.

ACTION:   Use the blessings of God to help others in need.

PRAYER: Mercy Lord, in all the ways I have failed to be merciful!