Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. 22 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. 24 “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’ 25 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’ 27 “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’ 29 “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’ 30 “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’ 31 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’” Luke 16:19-31 NLT
God of Heaven,
I love this story that Jesus relates and Luke faithfully recalls. (Not about the Lazarus who Jesus raised from the dead). An aptly named Lazarus, which means I believe, God has helped. I used to think this passage was all about heaven and hell, and in some ways it is, but so much more. Jesus knew He would rise from the dead and many would still not believe. The irony of verse 31! But recently I have seen it in the light of other passages in Luke’s gospel. The man who built bigger barns to get richer and then died. (Luke 12:16-21) Mary sings about the hungry receiving and the rich being sent away empty handed (Luke 1:53). So many teachings about the warnings of the danger of riches and wealth!
Not about people becoming rich but how they live with it! Here the rich man is in the place of the dead suffering eternally separated from Lazarus who is seated at the heavenly banquet with all his needs supplied. It is not the riches that condemned the rich man or the poverty that raises Lazarus to heaven. Jesus is again showing his listeners that it is how men handle riches that matter. The rich man had had the opportunity to use his wealth while he was alive and did – but for himself. Lazarus had nothing but God to put his trust in.
I was reminded the other day that I am considered very wealthy compared to much of the third world. I have a warm dry home, clean running water, three meals a day at least and enough to buy a friend a coffee or take the train to visit my daughter. No matter how much we have Father, this passage reminds me that I am only a steward and should use what You give me wisely. Not bankrupt myself but not become a hoarder. I cannot save myself or buy Your love – but I can please You by using what I have for You. You particularly noticed the widows mite and drew attention to it (Luke 21:1-4). Show us how rich we are and when and how we can use what we have for you.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 6th November 2025
Many YouTube versions of this hymn do not include the verse, Take my silver and my gold. I had not noticed before … but I found this one which does. Sung in a church in Newcastle upon Tyne.
Take my life and let it be
consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days;
let them flow in endless praise.
Take my hands and let them move
at the impulse of thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
swift and beautiful for thee.
Take my voice and let me sing
always, only, for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
filled with messages from thee
Take my silver and my gold;
not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
every power as thou shalt choose.
Take my will and make it thine;
it shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart it is thine own;
it shall be thy royal throne.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour
at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be
ever, only, all for thee.
Lyrics: Francis Ridley Havergal