Powered by Max Banner Ads 

True Wealth

by Olabode Ososami

Luke 16:19-31[19]  There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: [20]  And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, [21]  And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22]  And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [23]  And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24]  And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. [25]  But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. [26]  And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. [27]  Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: [28]  For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. [29]  Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. [30]  And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. [31]  And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

1. Great comfort, achievement and approval of men and things that count with men… can be meaningless to God. We can not trust ours or other’s feelings, emotions, human encouragement or discouragement.  Even religious words of assurance or disapproval. You can only trust your relationship with Christ and His revealed word by the Holy Spirit.
2. God loves to give us good things but He has really no motivation to interfere in the ups and downs of men …for they are all alike to Him…and their impacts on His eternal provision whether for good or bad are completely negligible. His benevolence does not change His assurances. God did not deliver Lazarus from poverty or from an early death or deny the rich man all his dainties and a longer life…and God was still fair and just.
3. There are three things that happen to all (inescapably)in the same way according to the same rule
   • Birth by woman with absolutely nothing and no one…singular birth even if twins
   • Death and leaving this existence with absolutely nothing and no one…singular death even in a crash
   • All will face judgment according to same rule of perfect righteousness of God..all will bow before the King of kings…Singular judgement…with absolutely nothing and no one…though we are in assembly.

The tragedy of humanity is not that humanity loves evil or made evil…we were wonderfully and carefully made to love God.  The tragedy of humanity is deception.

1. Deception points at the happy, creative, fulfilled, satisfied , longer and respected life of the rich man..and leads many to follow his philosophy
2. Deception points at the sores and dogs around Lazarus and despises His salvation
3. Man is a good follower…the rich man points this out..but too late..we believe magazines, orators, books, philosophers, politicians and even ourselves more than we believe the word of God…that is why we do not read it..The way to capture a good follower is deception…let him think he is following the right thing.

In Hell, even the slightest and even natural comforts available to the poorest destitute sleeping on the street and eating from the bin is denied and will become a precious thing.

In Hell all requests are considered too late…all prayers will not be answered..its the wrong time, its the wrong place,its to the wrong person – and will not be granted.  Great pain and regret comes because we could easily have sought for help, for deliverance for counsel before death…and would have got speedy answers..even before the prodigal opened his mouth..His father was already welcoming him and embracing him with gifts, new apparel…all in Hell will wish they had asked God..prayed repentance…Repentance will come easily in hell…but it will be too late.

The high point at the passing away of the saint is NOT burial but escort of ministering angels to glory.  The high point at the passing away of the unjust could be an elaborate and memorable burial…i.e where they will receive all the accolades, sympathy and recognition at its height – but after is only unending trouble. Find true wealth.

See “Wealth Out Of Ashes” for more insights into the concept of True Wealth and how to live through crisis and experience divine upturn.