Needs and a Name
“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus… ” Luke 16:19-20 (NIV)
This well-known Jesus story, recorded by Luke, immediately gets our attention with a striking contrast of characters and their earthly condition. Rich man. Beggar. Luxuries – purple and fine linen, and devastating poverty with physical ailments (“… was laid at his gate…”).
The saga continues into eternity, with their situations reversed. Earth-bound choices become forever-destinies.
Much debate and insight rises from considering the spiritual elements of the story. What exactly are Abraham’s “side” (“bosom” in many translations) and Hades? Does the rich man have a literal view from his suffering to where Lazarus resides in peace? Can he actually talk to Abraham across this divide? Is Jesus telling us that all rich people only get good things this side of the grave and all poor people get good things on the other side?
Great questions. While much can be gained from the place and time elements of the tale and the spiritual interaction, two earthly, relational dynamics take focus with not much debate over their clarity and meaning: 1) Lazarus’ plight played out daily, in plain sight of the rich man (“At his gate was laid… “) and the rich man… knew his name. Twice the rich man calls out from his eternal suffering by asking help from the man named Lazarus.
Acknowledging needs at one’s doorstep and attaching honor to those suffering would seem the opposite, and therefore the challenge, of these elements of the storyline. Granted, neither are easy at times. But Jesus’ cautionary teachings are meant to spur us into kingdom concern and action, especially in light of eternal things.
Let’s take Him up on that call.
There are people who have been laid at our “gate” right here in Ames and surrounding areas.
People with needs and names.
Join us in G2 on Sunday 11/17 and 24 at 10:45 for Local Matters: a two-week awareness and next steps class discussing our community’s challenges and opportunities to make a difference.
Sunday 11/17 – Presentations and Panel Discussion with Wings of Refuge, Overflow, Foundations Learning Center, Story County General Assistance, and Anchored Hope.
Sunday 11/24 – Presentation and Q&A with special guest AJ Doyle of Wildwood Collective – a movement of churches, organizations and advocates caring for vulnerable children.
No need to sign up.
For more information contact Amy Natzke (anatzke@ccames.org)
Hope to see you there,
Pastor Wayne