The Rich Man and Lazarus Lk. 16:19-31. The rich man and Lazarus lived ‘together’. The former apparently oblivious to the hunger and suffering of the latter. The dogs [Samaritans?] had more compassion than the rich Jew. Did he not see the poor man suffering? Did he not recognise his hunger? Or did he blame the poor man for his own poverty and suffering as we so often do today? How often is poverty attributed to laziness, addiction or sinful living? How often is wealth and abundance regarded as Gods approval and blessing? These are important questions that have to have a spiritual, scriptural answer. Then we have to ask the same questions about ourselves. Where do we fit in on the overall scale of wealth, and why? Do we see the poverty and suffering all around us, and what do we do about it? Have we got scripture to back up our answers? In life Lazarus was destitute, ill and suffering. Yet the angels carried his soul to the ‘bosom of Abraham’. The rich man, note that he was anonymous, had a life of health and wealth. He died, was buried and found himself in hell! It is most important to note that; Lazarus did not go to heaven because of his poverty and suffering. The rich man did not go to hell because of his wealth or because he ignored Lazarus. From the rest of scripture we know that it is belief in the Lord Jesus Christ that brings us to heaven, Acts 16:31. Being wealthy does not necessarily consign us to hell although it might make it more difficult to get to heaven, Mk. 10:25! The object of this parable is to teach that in this life we have opportunity to care for others. God sees, and takes a serious view of whether we do or not, Mt. 10:42, 25:34-46. How do we score on this? In this life Lazarus was daily, apparently, in the presence of the rich man. In death he could only see him ‘afar off' but could not get to his presence. With death comes the end of opportunity to care for others. Nor can Lazarus do anything for the rich man! Not even provide a drop of water. Vs. 31. I wonder if someone did come back from the dead would everyone believe? I think not! Most would simply ask ‘if you die again can you come back again?’ In the scriptures Jesus does not give signs to the inquisitive on request, Mt. 12:38-41. He does to believers who are prepared to obey [Gideon]. And anyhow, didn’t Jesus rise from the dead? And how many believe? [See the parable of the sower] The important thing for us is that we take note of ‘Moses and the prophets’, ie the teaching of scripture and also listen to the one who did rise from the dead. The teaching from all three is quite clear on how we should live and care for others and also quite clear in teaching that without the indwelling of Gods Holy Spirit we will achieve nothing, Jn. 15:5, and with him on board nothing is impossible, Phil. 4:13.