PRACTICAL CHRISTIANITY - MEDITATE DAY AND NIGHT
Sept. 3rd, 2026
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men". (Col. 3:23 NKJV)
The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) is a story we know very well. It is also a unique story in the sense that of all the parables Jesus told, it is only in this parable that He gave an identity to one of the characters. His parables were always - there was a certain man or servants but never in name.
Why is there a name?
Why was the Rich man without identity?
Who is the Lazarus at your gate?
Who are the five brothers of the Rich man?
Jesus told a parable earlier in the chapter that spoke to the characters of the Pharisees because they equate riches with righteousness. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” The Pharisees, who loved money, heard all this and were sneering at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of others, but God knows your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in God’s sight.” (Luke 16:13-15)
The Rich man was not condemned because he was rich but because of how he shared his wealth. The poor were already condemned in his books. To worsen the matter, Lazarus was not only within easy reach, he was by his gate, he knew Lazarus by name but did nothing to help him. God says: "For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now will I arise, saith the Lord; I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him." (Psa. 12:5 KJV) This was exactly what God did. Lazarus’ body was carried by the angels to Abraham bosom. The Rich Man was sent to Hades.
Why was there a name? Because the name was written in the Book of Life.
Why was the Rich Man without identity? Because his name was not found in the Book of Life.
Who is the Lazarus at your gate? Any poor, suffering, or marginalized person in need whom you pass by and ignore. People you know that fell from grace to grass. Hoarding wealth is theft because all we own comes from God.
Who are the five brothers of the Rich man? We are. Those who hear the word but turn deaf ears. No other means to preach the word than already existed.
MAKE SURE YOUR NAME IS IN THE BOOK OF LIFE
THE WORD: “No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent. “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” (Luke 16:30-31 NIV)
KBA TRACTS
Follow KBA tracts on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/19kNSm3rt7/
www.kbatracts.com.ng
0 Comments