“And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the Kingdom of God!”
Luke 18:24
Praise the Lord. Glory to God Almighty. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Mathew 6: 21).
When I meditate on this verse the Holy Spirit guides me to remember a passage from Luke 16:19-23. There Jesus Christ told his disciples about the actual experience of a rich man and a beggar.
Mathew 18:10 says “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my father which is in heaven”.
Beggar stayed at the gate of rich man, and was neglected by him. He didn’t take it seriously , didn’t have the mind to extend his hands to care for the beggar.
Lazarus was laid at his gate with sores all over the body. Foul smelling copious discharge from the sores which attracted flies and it was licked by dogs. Lazarus was out of his control and even his condition was deteriorating day by day. But for this rich man he didn’t have a courtesy to arrange for a medical assistance.
“Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, When it is in the power of thine hand to do it” (Proverb 3:27)
The rich man had everything in plenty, but his heart didn’t have a thought to help Lazarus. Lazarus was struggling for his bread and medical illness . no one there to help Lazarus even the rich man also. How the heart of rich man was diverted to selfish and worldly things.
“If a man says, ” I Love God and hateth his brother, he is a liar. That he who loveth God love his brother also” ( 1 John 4: 20,21)
The rich man stored his wealth in the earthly kingdom. He followed the commandments but didn’t have fruits of the Holy Spirit.
The Bible says after the death of both, Lazarus was comforted in Abraham’s lap. The rich man was in hell. This is a warning for us, let us look into our life. Where are we now?. Are we manifesting the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our life?. If not, ask for forgiveness to God and repent.
Let us pray. Heavenly father we come before you, Forgive us and enrich us with the Holy Spirit to follow your steps. We ask in Jesus name Amen.
Sol. Dr. G. Kamalin Viji , AOJ