Sermon Central
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Two Men Named Lazarus
Contributed by Kenneth Trent on Nov 28, 2017 (message contributor)
Summary: The similarities between these men were limited, but very significant; whereas the difference between them was very great.
Let me share an example from my own experience. I was privileged to be on the mission field of East Africa in 1963. While in Tanzania (then called Tanganyika) I was blessed to work alongside Bill Lewis, our Southern Baptist missionary to the Rungwe district near Mbeyu. Bill was one of the greatest men of God with whom I have ever been associated.
Bill told me one evening that we would leave early the next morning to preach and distribute the limited supply of aspirin in one of the villages not very far away. We only had a single bottle of one thousand aspirin to dispense. We had to be careful that we gave only one aspirin per person or else some would be left out.
After I preached, with Bill interpreting, we soon dispensed our limited supply of aspirin. Among those who received the single aspirin was a little Tanzanian woman who was noticeably crippled with rheumatoid arthritis. She struggled to hold up the tablet she had been given and then joyfully proclaimed: “ALL THIS AND JESUS TOO”. I dare say that little African woman had more of the love of God in her heart and was richer by far than many of the wealthiest professed Christians living today.
2. We are not to question why God permits some of His children to be “a Lazarus of Bethany” while others spend all their life as “a certain beggar named Lazarus”. Of one thing we can be certain, “our God will supply all our need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). When appearing on Larry King Live, Rick Warren answered Larry’s question if it was a sin for a Christian to be rich by replying “It is not a sin to be rich but it is a sin to die rich.” Such a marvelous answer. Such a demanding obligation.
Paul wrote: “But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 (NKJV)
3. All children of God will ultimately share the joys and riches of heaven as joint-heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17). Regardless of our lot, may we always be found faithful in our stewardship. Let us keep in mind what Paul wrote, “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV)
