Last month we wrote that one may be tempted to conclude that poverty is more spiritually
desirable than wealth. The Bible does not teach this but it does teach that the
unbridled pursuit of money is vain and that wealth can be a snare. As an example
of this, let’s look at the story of “The Rich Man & Lazarus” found in Luke 16.
This parable is principally about the authority of the Word of God but it also contains
a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one deceived by wealth.
Most of us know the story. The rich man lived in splendor, dressed in the finest
clothing and ate sumptuously every day. Poor Lazarus was dumped at the rich man’s
front door, covered with sores and hoping to live off his table scraps. Both men
died. Lazarus was carried to bliss in Abraham’s bosom, the rich man to torment in
Hades. This is not what Jesus’ hearers would have expected.
And what do we see? For one thing, that the unrighteous view of wealth tells two
lies. The first lie is that the wealthy are more virtuous in
some way than the poor.
Today, we see this everywhere we look, be it in international relations, entertainment,
or the so-called “prosperity gospel.” Even in eternity the rich man simply can’t
put aside the idea that he is “better” than Lazarus. First he begs Abraham specifically
to have Lazarus leave his rest and come serve him in his torment. Abraham replies
that the tables have turned and that now it is Lazarus’ time to be comforted. The
second lie is the delusion that wealth brings self-sufficiency. Proverbs 30:8-9
says that the rich are tempted to forget God. But here, the rich man is helpless
and wants Lazarus to be sent to warn his brothers so they don’t end up in torment
as well.
The rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all. (Prov.
22:2). Not only did God make them but He ordained their circumstances. Wealth
and poverty are stewardships distributed in the wisdom and sovereignty of God. Poverty
is not, by definition, blessed, or even desirable. Nor does wealth necessarily make
one selfish and vain. But Christ has taught in Luke 16 that our attitude towards
God is reflected in our attitude towards things.
Building
Update
The congregation at Calvary Bible Church is continuing to give faithfully to the
building project. We are closing in on the $2 million mark in the Building Fund.
This is wonderful! Please continue to pray, serve, and give.