A stitch in time saves nine
Luke 16 vs. 19 – 31
Beloved, once an election is conducted and a winner is declared, any form of campaigning afterward is utterly pointless. This principle is powerfully illustrated in the story of Lazarus and the rich man. While the rich man was consumed by wickedness during his life, Lazarus displayed a God-fearing attitude despite facing adversity. God announced the results, declaring Lazarus the victor, as he found himself in Abraham’s bosom, while the rich man was condemned to hell.
This led the rich man to plead with Father Abraham, asking for Lazarus to return and intercede on his behalf for his family, desperate to prevent them from sharing his grim fate. However, his request was firmly denied (Luke 16 vs. 27 – 28). God had already sent messengers to Earth to spread the message of salvation, and his household was expected to heed those warnings. There was no need to send Lazarus for that purpose again ( Luke 16 vs. 29).
You may question why the rich man made such a request to Father Abraham. Consider these crucial reasons:
1. He had failed God by neglecting his spiritual responsibilities as a father to his household
God takes note of how we live our lives, especially about spiritual matters, as these are reflected in our actions for others to see. The rich man’s fear that his entire household might follow him to hell drove him to make his request.
2. He recognized that those who shared God’s word with him were speaking the truth and were his true friends
Preachers of the Gospel are God’s messengers on Earth, delivering vital messages to help us amend our ways and pursue eternal life. The rich man ignored their teachings during his lifetime—a mistake many continue to make today, leading to profound regret. Our true friends are God and those who faithfully convey His unaltered message.
3. He sought to correct the legacy of wickedness he left for his household
The rich man, while alive, exhibited no compassion for the poor ( Luke 16 vs. 19 – 21). The only way to rectify the damaging legacy he left was through Lazarus, who had found favor with God. Yet, both of his desperate requests were ultimately denied.
4. He finally grasped that heaven and hell are real
The rich man likely dismissed the existence of heaven and hell during his lifetime, despite the teachings of preachers. His experiences in hell served as undeniable proof of their reality and intensified his desire to save his household ( Luke 16 vs. 23). But it was too late—hence the saying, “A stitch in time saves nine.”
5. He understood that his household would recognize Lazarus and might heed his message
In a bid to right his past wrongs, he believed that Lazarus would be better positioned to convince his household to amend their ways, as he was one of the individuals the rich man had failed to show compassion toward during his life ( Luke 16 vs. 30).
6. He realized that no one is entirely useless or helpless
The rich man learned that the beggar, Lazarus, was wiser than he had ever been in life. Lazarus prioritized his soul’s salvation, while the rich man was consumed with wealth and blind to God’s love message conveyed by His messanger. Had he shown mercy to others, God might have granted his request, and Lazarus might have even interceded on his behalf ( Math. 5 vs. 7).
Beloved, as time marches on, you must seize the opportunity to make amends before it’s too late. Align your words, actions, and deeds with God’s manifesto, the Bible. Mercy is only available from God while you are alive. Recall the thief crucified alongside Jesus Christ; he obtained mercy on the cross before he died. The rich man’s pleas for mercy were denied, leaving him in sorrow for eternity. This will not be your portion in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Remain blessed.
Written by Evangelist Alatise. S . O
For Free Tracts, Contact
The Christian Tract Department
Zion’s Disciples Christian Evangelical Ministry
P. O. Box 2796, Sapon, Abeokuta,
Ogun State.
08055168819, 07083307581
SOA/January/2025/37
