It's where the rich man wanted to be as well. It didn't turn out that way. The bosom of Abraham was reserved for poor Lazarus who had never experienced peace, and plenty and comfort in this lifetime. Now he was with the Father and all was well. (check out Luke 6.20ff)
The rich man was surprised at his predicament - tormented by 'flames' and desperate for a touch of water. We can sympathize with him a bit, and yet watch what he does as he implores his "Father" for some relief.
"Father Abraham, have mercy on me,
and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water
and cool my tongue,
for I am in agony in these flames." Luke 16.24
Well, well. Seems as if Lazarus is expected to serve this rich man even on the other side of the vale. 'Come and help me' (note he doesn't even address Lazarus directly even though he knows his name). 'Help me, help me.'
How ironic. Seems in this lifetime this very rich man had never once 1) shown mercy to Lazarus, nor did he 2) make a move to bring him comfort. Yet, he expects that this will be done for him. Why? perhaps because he can imagine Lazarus as no more than someone put there to serve his needs.
Think that's too harsh?
Well, keep on reading. Let's see how quickly this rich man realizes that he has failed to actually honor his Father Abraham by following the Father's teaching. Let's see how quickly he changes his attitude. Or does he? Does he realize his broken relationship with this Father and is only concerned about the sons of his earthly father?
Spiritual blindness makes us blind to God at work not only 'in the world' but in every person and place of the world. It keeps us from seeing others as God's beloved children. It allows us to walk into the dark corners of this world and take up residence, assuming our own righteousness.
What caused the spiritual blindness of the rich man? How did he get himself into such a predicament? Why is he not in the bosom of Abraham as he expected?
Good questions. Here's another: Who are we in this story?
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