WHO IS THIS MAN AT YOUR GATE

WHO IS THIS MAN AT YOUR GATE

Pastor Maselo Mosomane

“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. Luke 16:19-21

Throughout the bible we see the manifestation of a blessing presented in the form of abundance. God’s favour; God’s blessing will in many case be equated to material substance. We read in Proverbs 22:10; “The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it” It is good to have everything you need any time you need.

There is always a puzzling question about wealth in relation to children of God and I believe through His word, God will flash more light to it today. Why would God use wealth to represent His blessing? What is so important about wealth that even God would pay attention?

We read in the opening verses about a man described by Jesus as a rich man. He kept a very expensive wardrobe and led a luxurious life. Oh yes; some of us; especially at the end of the month like today, can afford to eat out and “spoil” our families. We feel so important when people watch us seating around that table in the restaurant.

It was not so with this man. Jesus says this man would not have to wait for the end of the month; he lived each day in luxury. Not chicken and rice on Sunday; everyday was a happy day. His budget could afford and maintain this kind of lifestyle.

There was another man at the entrance of this man’s property; the story continues. Jesus says he was a beggar. Contrary to the rich man, he is mentioned by name. Jesus says his name was Lazarus. He was poor and not in good health.

Two people lived at the same place; one inside and another outside. One on the inside had it his way while the other on the outside struggled for crumbs - two lifestyles at the same property. The rich man did not care a moment about Lazarus. I suppose he eased his conscience by saying; “it’s none of my business” as some of us used to say.

I believe the key to this puzzling question about wealth is hid in the same chapter.I invite you to go back with me to verse nine of the same chapter and check what Jesus said. “Use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. Then, when your earthly possessions are gone, they will welcome you to an eternal home” NLT. Listen to how GWT puts it; “I'm telling you that although wealth is often used in dishonest ways, you should use it to make friends for yourselves. When life is over, you will be welcomed into an eternal home”

The rich man did not use his resources to benefit others. Sick and hungry Lazarus was at his gate but he did not care. He needed food but he could not give him even crumbs that fell from his table. He needed medical attention but was attended by dogs. He reminds me of “a man of sorrow” in the book of Isaiah 53 “There is no beauty that we should desire Him. He is despised and rejected by men, A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him”

Check on who is at your gate and “use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends” God has blessed you with material substance that you should in turn be a blessing to others. Your wardrobe is falling apart under the load of clothes. Who is at your gate? Your refuse bins can no longer coup with the load of food you’re throwing away. Have you checked who is at your gate? Open the door and check. Who is at your gate? Don’t turn your face away; he needs your help.

BUT WHO IS SEATING AT YOUR GATE? Listen; “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Matthew 25:37-40