“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “ ‘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.’ ”

What fascinates me about this story is the contrasting nature of beggars. Would you rather be a beggar in this life and a son of the King of Kings in eternity or a rich man here and a beggar in eternity? Beggars in this life seem to be missing out on the keys to success and winning influence with people. They don’t have the 5-step process to financial security memorized. They don’t have the accolades from friends flying all around them. They are humbled by life’s circumstances. And yet, Jesus finds redeeming qualities in the midst of their struggles.

The rich man is so different. He has all of the worldly indicators of success. Plenty of food, great shelter, and a financial security that quite possibly exceeds his lifetime. He is likely viewed by his neighbors to be a model of financial success. He might have a book or two published, get asked to all of the important city meetings, and be a sought-after life coach for others.

But when all is said and done, when his life comes to an end, none of what he accomplished on his own — absolutely 0% — matters for eternity. He is cast into the lake of fire! So the beggar goes to heaven and becomes an adopted son of the Most-High God (Galatians 4:4-7). And the rich man goes to hell and begs the beggar for a drop of water and to rescue his family.

And so it is with life, we must focus on God and what his plan is for us. We must get to know his heart and act in his will. Obedience to his will, his way, and his commands leads to eternal life!

“In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” (‭‭I John‬ ‭5‬:‭3‬-‭5‬)

Lord, thank you for this word today. It is both a warning and an encouragement. I am encouraged as your follower to continue to serve you faithfully as I go through the ups and downs of life. Teach me to surrender my pride and my will to you in order that I might serve you at all times and in all situations.