Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-04
Causes Coming Contrasts.


The second paragraph selected for
study. while spoken later In the ministry
Of our Lord in response to the contempt
uous sneers with which the scribes and
Pharisees greeted the parable of the un
just steward. is closely connected in
thought and teaching with the first selec-
ton from Luke's gospel. 1t presents a
contrast between a certain rich man. who
lived for self and misused the earthly
goods intrusted to him. and the poor,
helpless, forsaken beggar that longed
even for crumb that the dogs did eat
that fell from the rich mans table. The
social divisions OF this world are not per-
manent. They do not pass beyond this
life. Jesus shows In this section of our
lesson that he recognizes the peculiar
peril Of wealth. 1t was apt to lead one
away from the higher life. make one self
sympathetic service for suffering hu-
mainly.
The only time that the Master un-
yelled the future doom was to tell how
the end Of his possessions, pleasures and
powers. His means provided for him
funeral, but the soul, whose thoughts
had been filled with banquets. barns and
best things for self. passed into the future,
exchanging his purple and fine linen for
the folds Of enveloping flames and the
sumptuous fare of earth for eternal want,
the eternal hunger and thirst OF the after
retribution." The poor beggar died and
was carried into Abraham's BOSOM In
eternity they have changed places We
know from the teachings OF Christ that
poverty was not the credentials that gave
Lazarus entrance into the spirit life be-
yond. but his life that amid poverty
glorified God.
This parable gives US some light upon
the future life. We learn from IL that
man is mortal, but that death does not
end ALL It separates the spirit from the
suffers dissolution. the soul continues q
conscious existence. The social divisions
of this life are not carried into tho
future. The separation from God and
divisions in eternity will be determined
by our relation to God and not by our
are a sufficient guide for this life. The
man who shapes his course by their direc-
tons will find approval with God. Our
lesson teaches US to make the right
portunity OF life for the glory of God
and the veal of man will result in ruin.
''The self-centered man Is the loser in
the long run. Dives was no criminal by
intent. he lived Hospitality In his way but
he did no good with his wealth and was
therefore justly punished. The princi-
kind Of ability. The Christian must use
his life and his possessions as q trustee
for unselfish ends. He must measure up
to his opportunity. whether he Is rich or
poor. Life is given to us to it ourselves
for the hereafter. The one thing we must
possess IL Christ. II we are His, then
all our powers, possibilities and plans
should be consecrated to His service. We
must live unselflsh lives to merit Christ's
approval and win the world for the Mas
ter.
The distinctions between rich and Door
are man-made. All are equal before God
Jesus held. no class prejudice. He was q
brother to all, welcomed by poor and rich
He saw their perils. but he opens the
door Of happiness to both on the same
conditions. They must forsake all to fol-
low Him Their lives must be conferred In
Christ. Their labor must reveal Christ.
They must love their brethren and live
for their Lord. The fundamental law
Of social progress. peace and prosperity is
10 recognise that "a mans life consisteth
not In the abundance Of the things which
he possesseth." :