Luke 16:19-31 tells the story of the beggar Lazarus and the rich man which talks about our priorities today. Luke doesn’t say that this is a parable, so it was probably a story that really happened. What is fascinating is that Jesus tells us what happened after they died and why!
This story tells us about 4 tests that the rich man was given during his life. See if you pass them, because they are tests that God gives us all.
1.The Test of Money
God wanted to know how the rich man would use his money. So God put Lazarus at the gate of his house so that the rich man could bless him. Lazarus suffered from sores on his skin and existed creams that you could buy to alleviate such suffering. But the rich man never used his money to buy a cream for Lazarus, although he saw him suffering every day!
The rich man just used his money on himself to buy lovely clothes and to live in luxury (16:19)
How do you use your money?
2.The Test of the Poor person
The Bible instructs us to help the poor. The rich man ate the best food available in his day. Lazarus wanted to eat even the crumbs that fell from his table but the rich man never gave him any food or even the leftovers!
Do you stop to help the poor or homeless and buy them some food?
3.The Test of Identity
Jesus names the poor man but doesn’t name the rich man. Why is this? Jesus doesn’t tell us exactly but we can make a good deduction. Names in the Bible speak about your identity and destiny. For example the name Jesus means “God rescues”, that tells of Jesus’ identity and destiny.
In his life on earth, the rich man had identity. He was well known in the community for his riches and influence. But when he died he went to hell and in hell no-one has anymore identity. God gave the rich man many resources, wealth and influence to use to build the Kingdom of God and bless those with needs. But the rich man did not follow his identity or destiny and instead did his own thing, for himself.
Do you pass the test of identity? Are you seeking to fulfil it on the earth?
4.The Test of the Word
The rich man went to the Synagogue every Saturday, like his bothers (16:29). He knew the Word of God and the teachings of the Prophets. But he didn’t obey it. The three other tests above show this.
The rich man went to hell, not because he was rich or even because he didn’t do good for Lazarus. He went to hell because his actions revealed his heart before God. He went to church and read the Scriptures and probably prayed as well, but he didn’t love God. He chose to live his life outside of God and his laws.
Do you make a big effort to obey the Scriptures and love the Lord with your actions?
5.The Test of Sharing our Faith
In hell, the rich man realised the danger that his brothers were in, who were living as he was. So he wanted Abraham to send Lazarus to warn them.
The rich man never shared the Gospel with his brothers, his own family, in his life!
We are all called to share the Good News of Jesus with all those who don’t know. This starts with our family and relatives.
Do you pass the test of sharing your faith?
Living for the eternal
God calls us to live differently in this life. We have an amazing call to change the world and help those in need. It’s easy to live for the temporary but Jesus wants us to live for the eternal.
See GRACE OUTPOURINGS: 21 DAYS REVIVAL DEVOTIONAL which has lots of material on how to live differently and make an impact for today and even change nations.
For more tests see ENTERTAINMENT AN IDOL?: 4 TESTS FOR YOU