Drue-Marie

Why do you think that *Indians* (we prefer either Native American or American Indians) don't still have Dances for the Gods?

padremike Loc: Phenix City, Al

Exactly.

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

"And fear not those who can destroy the body but not the soul;
fear Him who can destroy both the body and the soul, in gehenna." (Matthew 10: 28)

"For the wages of sin is DEATH, but the gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 6: 23)

“Enter through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad the road that leads to DESTRUCTION and many enter through it, but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to LIFE, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)

“For God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not PERISH but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)

For if you live according to the sinful nature, YOU WILL DIE; but if by the spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, YOU WILL LIVE. (Romans 8:13)

The one who sows to please the sinful nature from that nature will reap DESTRUCTION; the one who sows to please the spirit, from the spirit will reap eternal LIFE. (Galatians 6:8)

The truly righteous man attains LIFE, but He who pursues evil goes to his DEATH. (Proverbs 11:19)

From Christianity dot com:

What Is the Meaning of Lazarus and the Rich Man?

This parable is both a jab at the religious leaders and hope for those oppressed. The meaning of the rich man and Lazarus is a warning to those that aren’t paying any attention to the needs of others. That attitude has no place in God's kingdom.

The rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 is a fascinating story told by Jesus that packs a punch! But it can be a confusing and difficult parable to understand.

So, let's dive into the rich man and Lazarus and look at what it has for us today.

Bible Meaning of Lazarus and the Rich Man.

This story is all about the contrast between the two characters in this story, the rich man and Lazarus.

Jesus doesn’t even bother to give the rich man a name in his story. Rather, he let him be a representative for all who live life in such a manner as he did. He makes it clear that this man is living a lavish lifestyle at the expense of others.

This man lived his life adorned in the finest clothes, including purple, which only the wealthiest could afford, and feasting daily. This guy had it made (Luke 16:19).

In stark contrast, there’s Lazarus. The only thing that adorned him was sores, and all he had to eat were scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Jesus even adds a detail that showed just how low this guy was, that dogs licked or snipped at his wounds.

This detail is significant as it would have made him unclean, unable to worship properly. This was the ultimate degradation. The only thing that Lazarus had that the rich man didn’t was a name. Jesus personalizes his concern for the poor man with a name (Luke 16:20-21).

Jesus’story starts with these two men whose lives couldn’t be more different. Even in their death, there is considerable contrast. The rich man is buried, undoubtedly anointed with oil, wrapped, and carefully placed in a tomb.

And Lazarus' body was tossed aside; a fair assumption is that he was thrown into the city dump, Gehenna. Jesus offers detail after detail to show just how different these guys’ lives and deaths really were (Luke 16:22).

Now dead, we get a glimpse of the rich man and Lazarus on the other side.

Heavenly Riches vs. Worldly Riches

This is where Jesus’ story gets interesting. Lazarus is carried to Abraham’s side. And the rich man goes to Hades (Luke 16:23).

Even in the afterlife, they still live in contrast to each other. But now the roles are reversed. Lazarus is now living in luxury and the rich man is living in torment. Ironically, he's still called the rich man, though he now has nothing.

The rich man is now in torment, important to note he is not being tortured, as many picture, in hell. Rather torment, and we will see, that is a self-inflicted and not one brought on by an outside force.

While in torment there seems to be a moment of regret, a time where the rich man seeks forgiveness. Luke 16:24 tells us that he calls out for mercy. And we might feel bad for him… but we just need to read to the end of the verse to see he hasn’t changed a bit.

The rich man asks for mercy, but not mercy to be saved from his current circumstances. Rather he asks for Lazarus to be sent to Hades so that he can dip the end of his finger in water and cool his tongue.

That might seem like a rather strange request, but his intent is crystal clear. The rich man wants Lazarus to once again be in a place of servitude for him. In other words, he still thinks he's more important and he wants to be the top dog. He hasn’t changed (Luke 16:25-31).

The Hell He Chose

Many people reading this story of the rich man and Lazarus assume the picture Jesus is painting is hell. But this parable isn’t a teaching about hell. Rather a teaching on the consequences of our actions towards others.

In Jesus’ story, the rich man wasn’t thrown into torment because he didn’t believe. He found himself in a place of torment because of the way he treated others, specifically Lazarus.

But God isn’t the one locking the rich man away. The rich man locked himself away; he chose to go there. Even when there seemed to be an opportunity to repent and change his ways, he didn’t. Instead, he demanded that Lazarus come and serve him again.

Jesus ends his story with a rather sad statement, but one that will prove true. Even if someone were to be raised from the dead and provide a warning, the living would still not be convinced to change their ways (Luke 16:31). In a short time, Jesus will do just that, but still, that won't be enough for some to change their ways.

In this story, Jesus makes clear that the man is locked up in his place of torment. But the lock is on the inside. The man refuses to come out. He would rather reign in torment than be a servant in God's kingdom.

Why Is the Story of Lazarus Important for Christians Today?

This parable is both a jab at the religious leaders and hope for those oppressed. The meaning of the rich man and Lazarus is a warning to those that aren’t paying any attention to the needs of others. That attitude has no place in God's kingdom.

Until they repent and change their ways, they live in a place of self-torment. That’s the way it has to be — true happiness is not found at the expense of others. Jesus is warning his audience, the religious leaders, that their treatment of others does not lead to where they think it does.

While a jab for some, there is hope in this story for many as well. Many listening were the oppressed, the poor, the sick, the taken advantage of. For them, this story is one of hope. That one day their pain will end, and they will find the life they truly desire with God.

This parable is designed to force us, the readers, to reflect on how we treat “Lazarus-like” people. The rich man remains nameless so that we can place ourselves in his shoes. Let's be honest with ourselves, we probably see a little of him in our own lives, don't we?

The story of the rich man and Lazarus should lead us to the question: are we like him?

He clearly knew Lazarus, he asked for him by name. He knew he was in need, but he refused to even give him the scraps from his table.

Lazarus was forced to gather only what fell. The rich man saw the need and ignored it. He had no compassion. Even in death, he still saw Lazarus as beneath him.

This story asks the question, is that you? Do you treat people like that? Do you have the resources but refuse to give them? Is your heart hardened towards those in need?

This parable shows us that we get what we ultimately want; we get what our lives were truly about. We can either reign in torment, be a god in our own hell. Or we can be a servant of God and be in paradise with Him. It's up to us.

The way we treat others shows us which direction we will take. But it's not too late for us if we find ourselves on the wrong side of the equation. Unlike the rich man who refused to repent, we can and find the life that we were meant to have.

BIRDMAN

Says who

Marty 2020 Loc: Banana Republic of Kalifornia

Your pride is showing.

Drue-Marie

The Padre

Blade_Runner Loc: DARK SIDE OF THE MOON

BIRDMAN

They still do the ghost dance

Rose42

Many scholars think its a parable because he taught in parables and the context. I think its a parable because it follows other parables right before it and thats how he taught.

Whats important is the teaching

Marty 2020 Loc: Banana Republic of Kalifornia

Nope, what’s important is that there’s no annihilation in hell/the lake of fire!
A person’s spirit lasts forever, even after the 2nd death.
False teachers are all around us and trying to add souls to the great falling away.

Rose42

I said its the teaching thats important. Thats one lesson of the parable.

Whether you believe its a parable or literal is not a salvation issue.

Drue-Marie

I don't know what you are talking about. I have never lived on a Reservation. My dad was born on a Rez, but he was adopted by an immigrant in 1925, shortly after his December 1924 birth. I have no knowledge about a ghost dance.

I would appreciate it if you could supply me with a website or something. I would like to know more about the traditional rites and rituals.

Marty 2020 Loc: Banana Republic of Kalifornia

Correct! My point was not well worded.

BIRDMAN

Coos Bay Tom Loc: coos bay oregon

Many of my people think in terms of the creator and the natural world around them. Some are Shakers. My father had friends who were. Many are regular Christians . myself I am Catholic and don't know why when My aunt was sprayed with water and put outside at a residential school for not speaking English . All the mass graves of tortured children that have been uncovered --- It is a painful thing to me. I am proud of who I am and what I am . The more religious people tried to beat the Indian out of me the more they beat it into me . A friend called me a Blanket ass once. I told him that I preferred Wagon Burner .