Abraham’s Bosom and Lazarus
The rich man and the beggar, named Lazarus, is a popular story told in the Bible, richly about what modern people would call “karma” and how the tables can and will turn.
The rich man didn’t care for Lazarus’s condition as a poor beggar, but when they died the tables were turned. We’re not talking about the turn of events today, instead we want to focus on what happened after they died.
The beggar died and was carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom, but the rich man died and was buried. It appears like poor people go to heaven and rich people are buried in the grown (hell?).
In verse 23 of Luke chapter 16, we understand they both went to the same place, they were just in different rooms, so to speak.
See verse 23:
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
The rich man was in torments, but saw Abraham. They appear to be together. The rich man was being tormented, and he asked Abraham to send Lazarus to him with just a drop of water.
This story has many messages, the karma thing, the righteous dead dying in Christ, eternal life and the lake of fire, and the separation of them both, and the necessity of listening to Moses and the prophets more so than listening to one who rose from the dead.
However, out of all this, most Christians only get that the dead go to heaven when they die, as did Lazarus. We should keep in mind that this was a parable or story that Jesus told to highlight things we must consider.
According to the rest of the Bible, there is no way this story could actually be a true story and pan out. For one, the dead know nothing according to Solomon, and he also said all go to one place, all are dust and all turn to dust again.
Jesus said all the Father has given Him, He will not lose one, but raise them up at the last day. There is so much that would be contradiction that we have to dismiss this as a story Jesus told to illustrate vital points we need to consider and understand.
Abraham and his bosom are in the grave, we’ll share in another post, and therefore Lazarus is also likewise. The end of this story by Jesus pointed us to the priority of reading and understanding the writings of Moses and the prophets.
If we understand Moses and the prophets, we’d understand the dead are resting asleep, waiting on the Kingdom of God just like those of us blessed to still be living.
The kicker is that we won’t prevent the deceased, they will prevent us or rather meet the Lord before us.
God bless them and God bless the Lord. More on this in another post, for now praise the Lord through His Son Jesus the Messiah, and bless His Holy name. Also, blessings to you and to see you again.
Read the scriptures from this passage below:
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
We’ll be posting more on this subject as the series continues, for the moment, praise the Lord God of Israel, through His Son Jesus Christ, and bless His Holy Name.
Also, we send a blessing to you, and we hope to study with you again soon.
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The previous post on this topic and series was on Moses and Elijah, how they were seen in a vision, and not real life at the time of Jesus, James, and Peter, in the transfiguration. View it here, Moses and Elijah Seen in a Vision!
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