The parable we have now read, in one respect stands alone in the Bible. It is the only passage of Scripture which describes the feelings of the unconverted after death. For this reason, as well as for many others, the parable deserves especial attention.
We learn, firstly, from this parable, that a man's worldly condition is no (est of his stfite in the sight of God. The Lord Jesus describes to us two men, of whom one was very rich, and the other very poor. The one "fared sumptuously every day." The other was a mere "beggar," who had nothing that he could call his own. And yet of these two the poor man had grace, and the rich had none. The poor man Kved by faith, and walked in the steps of Abraham. The rich man was a thoughtless, selfish worldling, dead in trespasses and sins.
Let us never give way to the common idea that men are to be valued according to their income, and that the man who has most money is the one who ought to be the most highly esteemed. There is no authority for this notion in the Bible. The general teaching of Scripture is flatly oppo- sed to it. " Not many wise, not many mighty, not many noble are called." (1 Cor. i. 26.) " Let not the rich man glory in his riches. But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he knoweth and understandeth me." (Jer.ix.24.) Wealth is no mark of God's favour. Poverty is no mark of God's displeasure. Those whom God justifies and glorifies are seldom the rich of this world. If we would measure men as God measures them, we must value them according to their grace.
We learn, secondly, from this parable, that death is the common end to which all classes of mankind must come.