The Rich Man & Lazarus - Troy Postlethwait

This morning, I invite you to reflect deeply on Luke 16's account of the rich man and Lazarus. Whether this story is a parable or not, its truths are eternal and compelling. Jesus doesn’t just tell a story; He gives us a vivid window into the realities of life, death, and eternity.
The scene opens with a stark contrast: a rich man, clothed in fine linen and living in luxury, and a beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, longing for crumbs at the rich man’s gate. Lazarus suffered greatly in this life-his pain so intense that even the dogs licked his sores. Yet, when both men died, their eternal conditions were reversed. Angels carried Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom, a place of comfort, while the rich man found himself in torment in Hades.
The rich man had all he needed but failed to prepare for eternity. Lazarus, though destitute on earth, inherited eternal peace. The lesson is clear: your earthly status means nothing in the sight of God if your soul is not right with Him. Riches cannot save you, and poverty cannot separate you from God if your faith is in Him.
Notice what the rich man did in torment. He lifted his eyes, saw Abraham and Lazarus, and cried out for relief. Even in torment, he recognized Lazarus but still viewed him as someone to serve his needs, asking Abraham to send Lazarus to cool his tongue with water. Abraham’s response was firm: the rich man had enjoyed his good things in life while Lazarus suffered, and now their roles were eternally reversed. Moreover, a great gulf was fixed-no one could pass between the places of comfort and torment.
This separation underscores a sobering truth: once we die, our eternal destiny is sealed. There is no second chance, no crossing over, no appeal. How we respond to God determines where we will spend eternity.
The rich man’s second plea was for his family. He begged Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers, hoping they could avoid his fate. But Abraham reminded him they had Moses and the prophets-the Word of God. If they wouldn’t listen to Scripture, they wouldn’t believe even if someone rose from the dead.
Let that sink in. The rich man’s request wasn’t granted because God’s Word is sufficient. If someone doesn’t heed the Scripture, no miracle will persuade them. And haven’t we seen that play out? Jesus Himself rose from the dead, yet many still refuse to believe. The Word of God is powerful, but we must listen, accept, and act on it.
Now, let’s draw out some lessons from this powerful account.
Worldly wealth is no measure of eternal value. You can be rich in possessions but poor toward God. True riches are found in faith, love, and obedience to God. Are you storing up treasures in heaven or hoarding them on earth?
Death is inevitable. Regardless of our status, we all face the same end. The question isn’t whether we will die but where we will spend eternity. Are you ready for that moment?
The condition of our souls is known and cared for by God. Just as angels carried Lazarus to Abraham’s bosom, God has prepared a place of rest for those who are faithful. That hope should motivate us to live each day for Him.
Hell is real, and it is torment. The rich man’s cries of anguish reveal the reality of eternal separation from God. This is not a temporary punishment but an unending state of suffering. We must take this truth seriously and prepare our souls for eternity.
God’s Word is enough. The rich man’s brothers had the Scriptures, as do we. Do you listen to God’s Word? Do you let it guide your life? If you don’t believe God’s Word now, no sign or miracle will change your heart later.
This morning, I want to challenge you to examine your heart. Are you rich toward God, or do the things of this world consume you? Have you listened to His Word or turned a deaf ear, hoping for some extraordinary sign to move you? Everything you need for salvation is already in front of you: God’s Word, His Spirit, and His invitation.
The rich man learned too late that his soul’s condition mattered far more than his earthly wealth. But you have the opportunity right now to respond, repent, and prepare for eternity. Please don’t wait until it’s too late.
Ask yourself: Am I ready for eternity? Am I listening to God’s Word and living in obedience to it? Let’s prepare our souls for the joy of Abraham’s bosom, where there is no more sorrow, pain, or separation from God.