22 So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Luke 16:22–23, NKJV)
The daily deprivations Lazarus experienced are difficult to grasp. Begging for one’s very survival, being treated as persona non grata (an unwelcome person), and battling the pain of ulcerated, unattended sores – these were his day-to-day realities. Such would surely tempt a person to bitterly resent those who indulged themselves without thought of giving aid, as well as God Himself (Lk. 16:19-21; Job 2:8-9). It takes a mighty faith to resist such trials of body and soul (Job 2:10). Death does not end our existence. Death was Lazarus’ great release. Although the beggar’s body would be dumped into an obscure grave, his soul was ushered by angels to Abraham’s bosom (a place of perpetual comfort and embracing bliss). The rich man also died and was buried. Leaving the ease of his riches, he found himself “in torments in Hades.” Hades is the realm of departed spirits in which both Paradise and torments exist (Lk. 23:43; Acts 2:27). The tables have now turned. The man’s wealth did not prevent his death and could not save his soul. The lesson is obvious: “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26) For what are you exchanging your soul? What a terrible transaction it is to exchange your soul for fortune and easy instead of being rich toward God (Lk. 12:20-21).
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