Wealth and Responsibility
Scripture: Amos 6.1, 4-7; Luke 16.19-21
“Woe to those who are at ease in Zion, and to those who feel secure on the mountain of Samaria… Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves out on their couches, and eat lambs from the flock and calves from the midst of the stall, who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp and like David invent for themselves instruments of music, who drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the finest oils, but are not grieved by the ruin of Joseph! Therefore they shall now be the first of those who go into exile, and the revelry of those who stretch themselves out shall pass away.”
Main Point: The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see the poor around us as people made in God’s image who deserve our compassion.
Both Amos and Jesus confront comfortable people who have become blind to suffering around them. The rich man lived in luxury while Lazarus lay at his gate, yet the text suggests he never truly saw the poor man as a person made in God’s image.
Amos describes people who spare no expense for their own comfort—ivory beds, the finest food and wine, elaborate entertainment—yet they are “not grieved by the ruin of Joseph.” They have lost all compassion for their suffering neighbors. Their prosperity has insulated them from reality.
This isn’t ultimately about the amount of money we have, but about the Spirit’s work in our hearts toward the poor and suffering. The rich man’s sin wasn’t his wealth itself, but his callous indifference to Lazarus. He had resources that could have helped, but he chose not to see the need.
The Holy Spirit works differently in Christian hearts. He opens our eyes to see the “Lazarus figures” in our communities—the homeless, the hungry, the lonely, the forgotten. He creates compassion within us and moves us to act. Whether we have much or little, the Spirit finds ways for us to show Christ’s love to those in need.
God doesn’t call all Christians to voluntary poverty, but He does call all of us to generous hearts. The Spirit helps us hold our possessions lightly, use them wisely, and share them compassionately. He reminds us that everything we have is a gift from God to be stewarded for His glory and our neighbors’ good.
Reflection: Who are the “Lazarus figures” in your community that God may be placing before you, and how is the Holy Spirit moving you to respond with Christ-like compassion?
Prayer: Father, open our eyes to see the poor and suffering around us. Work generous, compassionate hearts within us. Help us steward Your gifts wisely. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Responses