A ripple effect is a situation in which one event, often unintentional, causes the multiplication and dispersion of events with sometimes negative consequences. It’s visually described as when a rock is cast into a pond. First, a distinct “pla-thunk” is heard, followed by a rippling of the water’s surface that creates noticeable concentric circles from where the rock hits the water. However, the ripple effect can also negatively impact fish, birds, and other wildlife in or near the pond, frightening, injuring, or even killing them.
Ripple effects can be seen in business, economics, politics, communication, and psychology. Today, we see the ripple effect of personal choices in The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
The Rich Man, clothed in purple and fine linen, ate lavishly while Lazarus, who was not only sick with open wounds, but also starving, was hoping to eat the crumbs that fell from the Rich Man’s table. A shocking, disturbing image is that the only comfort for Lazarus’ pain were dogs that came by to lick his wounds. Dogs showed more compassion than the Rich Man (Luke 16:19-21).
This image reminds me of the times I drive by the homeless holding their “Will Work for Food” cardboard sign, yet I’m in a hurry or don’t want to be inconvenienced. I justify they could be a scammer, drug addict, or alcoholic panning to fund their habit. Or I think the little bit of cash in my purse would not be enough. I even reason throwing any amount of cash at their situation would not solve their overarching problem of homelessness, unemployment, addiction, and hunger when, in truth, all they may need is compassion, hope, and to experience the love of Jesus.
Eventually, both men die, and their roles were reversed. Lazarus was rewarded with eternal riches in heaven while the Rich Man was suffering in hell, pleading for cool water from Father Abraham who he saw at a distance (Luke 16:22-24). For all those times, the Rich Man rejected and ignored Lazarus, he was told, “remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony” (Luke 16:25). The Rich Man not only had to sit with the permanency of his life choice, but he also had to live with the anguish of seeing Heaven from the perspective of hell for all of eternity. Father Abraham told him that the chasm between Heaven and hell cannot be crossed from either side. (Luke 16:26). God had run out of second chances.
The Rich Man had a moment of conversion when he thought of his five brothers who may have also been headed to hell because of his influence and example. However, his requests for comforting water and a warning of hell sent to his brothers were denied. Father Abraham showed him compassion by telling him his brothers had access to the law which educates readers about Heaven and hell. Father Abraham demonstrated the attention and compassion The Rich Man should have shown Lazarus. Yet the Rich Man was not satisfied by this answer. He claimed that for his brothers to believe, they needed a supernatural attention-getter like Lazarus presenting himself as an angel. Father Abraham’s final answer? If they wouldn’t believe the law, they wouldn’t believe an angel either.
The ripple effect began for the Rich Man well before he started ignoring Lazarus. More than likely his sense of entitlement to his riches and lavish lifestyle without depositing his wealth into others began the rippling effect that impacted his salvation and the salvation of his brothers who mirrored his choices. The false prosperity gospel says rich people are blessed by God while poor people are cursed. We don’t know for certain if that was the Rich man’s thinking, but just this allegory alone proves that wealth does not guarantee a spot in Heaven nor is poverty an indication you will be punished in hell. Whom are you allowing to negatively influence or interfere in your relationship with Christ? How are you making daily choices that impact those around you for good?
Reflection:
Today we are reading the second half of Luke 16. Yesterday, we talked about the parable of the shrewd manager, and today we are continuing with the Rich Man and Lazarus. The Rich man lived lavishly his whole life, always had good things, and never had to work for them. Then there is Lazarus; a beggar who shared scraps with dogs. When they both died Lazarus was seated with Abraham and the angels while the Rich Man was buried and went to hell. The Rich man begged to be with Lazarus and Abraham but could not because he had lived his life not caring about others. The Rich Man had been greedy and never gave Lazarus anything.
- Why do you think Lazarus was carried up by angels and the Rich Man wasn’t?
- Today’s challenge is to be nice to one person. Whether that is someone at school or work or a grocery store, show one act of kindness.
- Prayer: Lord, I thank You and love You for always being there for me and for the beggar who had nothing. I know that You are there for me and everyone. Lord, I pray that somewhere today people find kindness from You. Amen.