Did you know, there is a story about a very rich man who lived every day in the greatest of luxury? His wardrobe was quite exquisite, and he was known for his great wealth. One day, a beggar, who was covered in sores and longing just for something to eat, had been laid at the entrance gate of the rich man’s home. This beggar was only hoping to eat what fell from the rich man’s table and nothing more. What’s interesting is that the dogs which were in the area cared more for this man than the rich man. For the dogs at least noticed, approached the beggar and licked his sores. The rich man ignored the beggar even though he had the means to care for all his needs, from food to medical care. But the story goes even deeper than just the rich man’s lack of concern for others, it reveals a man who ignored truth, because he was so caught up in his wealth.
As the story goes both the beggar and the rich man eventually died, the beggar to an eternal life of comfort, and the rich man to one of agony. The rich man, who would be tormented in the place of hell forever could see the beggar in a different place than he, a place of eternal comfort. Seeing this, he wanted the beggar to bring him relief, but it was not possible for their eternal destinies had been set. When this realization was evident to the rich man, he requested that the beggar be sent from his place of comfort to his five brothers, to warn them of the place of torment. He thought that if someone from the dead would go to them, they would repent. However, he was told that if his brothers would not listen to truth, they would not be convinced even though someone rose from the grave.
This story really can be life changing for us all. You see, everyone is concerned about life after death. I know that is a chilling statement, but study after study reveals people are concerned about this very topic. The older, if we’re so fortunate, and the closer to death we get, the topic of life after death becomes important. Having this knowledge, the story above reveals that truth takes precedent over all things. Not, money, fame, or earthly comforts. We must listen for the truth! And truth does not kill, steal, or destroy, but gives life, abundant and eternal.
The rich man cared only for himself, not his brothers, or even a crippled, sore covered, hungry man, laid at his very gate. He refused to listen to truth, which ended for him in eternal torment and possibly that of his brothers too, if they followed his example. Truth really does matter, and the rich man came face to face with truth after his death. His story being told is so important for us all. It gives each of us an opportunity to assess our earthly lives, listen to the truth, and care for others.
This may lead us to ask, “What is truth?”, which was asked by another historical figure, Pontius Pilate during the trial of Jesus recorded in the New Testament Gospels of the Bible and by Tacitus and Josephus who were historical writers of the times. Jesus in an earlier conversation with his disciples stated, “…I am the way, the truth, and the life…” (John 16:6a). If we are listening, then truth is a person and we should be listening to Him, (Jesus) and no other. The rich man came face to face with truth, learning too late the consequences of not listening, not repenting, and the neglecting others has on one’s destiny.
Truth would ask for our attention. It would not ask for us to steal, kill, or destroy, in any fashion. Truth would want us to share or even give our lives for others, so that they too could live their eternal life in comfort and not torment. Are we listening to Truth? As stated earlier, truth can be found in Jesus, who is the Truth. Let us call out to Him and He will reveal Truth to us. So, the question is, “Who’s at your gate?” Life or Death? Comfort or Torment? We all get to choose!
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