A Divine Divider for Dives. Sermon by Pastor Andrew Marttinen October 16, 2024.
In our modern age, Adventists that are conscientious objectors are subject to severe mistreatment. One was detained and tortured in a European country for refusing to join the military. A second was tortured, passed out, revived with cold water and retortured, urging them to renounce God. Protections can be ignored during times of war. Religious groups can be at risk. Policies and their applications may not always be consistent in times of challenges.
The Bible talks about justice.
A fictional story tells about a well to do man who lived in an opulent community. He had a great reputation. He was "big" in his church. He was "blessed". At night he would stop at the local convenience store for a cold slushy to drink/ He would buy the slushy and a lottery ticket. He would frequently see a lady with tattered clothes at the doors. She would ask for a loonie. He assumes if he were to give her more than a loonie the money would be used for drugs. Years later he and the girl die at the same time. She died in an automobile collision. He died from cold exposure. They notice and recognize each other. She was inside on the wall looking down at him. He was outside the heavenly gate and looked in. He recognized Paul and cried out for mercy.
"I'm sorry. I did not know this would happen".
"You did know when you refused to help the poor"
"Give me another chance so I can tell the people my lesson after death".
"They have already heard a message from someone after death".
People on their death bed are afraid of the unknown more than death itself.
Luke 16 is a parable of two men who were very different.
The both had position in society. The rich man was a somebody. The poor man was a nobody.
They both had possessions. The rich men had many as a millionaire. The poor man had few as a beggar.
They both had one a great love they protected. The rich man loved gold. The poor man loved God.
None of us get to determine how we enter this world. We were not asked. We just appeared. Only in our second year did we become aware of who we are. We do not have a say in our hair colour, our sex, our birth place, our skin colour etcetra.
We do, however, as we mature, get to determine how we say our good bys in many different forms. Some say good by to loved ones when they move away. Some say good by quietly, some with others around them. Some leave quietly. Some leave with a part. Some go in extreme ways, some with simplicity. The way we say good by at death very similar to moving away. What we do today plays a part in what we do tomorrow.
There is a quiz on how you will die. One way is the optimistic way. One way is the pessimistic way. The third is midway between the two.
Let us ponder the story of the parable of the rich man. The lesson in this parable is how to live. The first man was rich, dressed in purple which exemplified royalty. Double dyed purple died wool has been found by archeologists dating back to 1000 BC, the time of David. David once wore a robe dipped in blood. Jesus once wore a garment dipped in blood. A purple robe today would be equivalent to $3000 suit today.
Lazarus was a man who could not walk, covered in sores. For many people their concern was not around what they owned, but who owned them. Lazarus means the one who God helps, the one I trust. It comes from the name Eleazar who was a high priest, a son of Aaron. Today Lazarus is the 105th most popular name. Lazarus had nothing but God and leprosy. Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham's side. The Jewish understood this to be a reward for righteousness.
Some people have nearsightedness as they look forward to tomorrow, but don't hear God's voice today.
Listen to God today.
Lazarus was comforted, dining at God's table, no more poverty, homelessness, loneliness. He is now living with a friend that sticks closer than a brother.
A rich man is torture and tormented. He sees Lazarus in Abraham's bosom afar off.
Luke is saying to believe in Jesus now. Determine your destiny.
Who would you rather be - the rich man or Lazarus?
A child says "a rich man while I am alive, and Lazarus when I am dead".
It does not work this way. Live now for tomorrow.
Where are you in the parable of Luke 16:19-31?