Who do you listen to?
Do “we” really listen to anyone today?
If so, “who” are they? Can you identify them? Can you name – names?
The prophet Amos was one of the Twelve Minor Prophets.
The minor prophet’s writings – were relatively small compared to that of the major prophets. Therefore, their designation as “minor” as opposed to being “major…”
Amos was an “older contemporary” of Hosea and Isaiah, Amos was active around 750 BCE during the reign of King Jeroboam II.
He was from the southern Kingdom of Judah but he preached in the northern Kingdom of Israel.
Amos wrote or taught at a time of “relative peace and prosperity” – but also in a time of “neglect of YHWH’s laws.”
The people were not listening to the prophets, nor to word of God, they were (in fact) turning away in droves.
So Amos spoke out against an “increased disparity between the very wealthy and the very poor.” His major themes of “social justice,” God’s omnipotence, and divine judgment became “staples of his prophecy.”
It was Amos who warned against those who “push away the needy at the gate” and he called instead for “justice at the gate.” “The gate” that he referred to would have been the gate of the city.
The rich man in our story should have listened to Amos…he should have heeded him…for he too, had a gate.
Apparently, this rich man resided or lived in a kind of “baronial estate.” He would have wanted for nothing.
Lazarus was ‘unceremoniously dumped’ at his gate – (by someone) in the hopes of receiving something – either from the rich man (himself) or from one of his guests that would have been coming or going. Apparently, he received nothing…from anyone.
Notice how much is said about the dress and the attire of the rich man – but no clothing is mentioned with regard to Lazarus whatsoever.
We are told instead that he is covered with sores. Apparently his open seeping sores were his clothing…
He wasn’t just poor, he was a beggar. The poorest of the poor. A pitiable figure, if ever there was one!
In Luke’s gospel we have the “Sermon on the Plain” contrasted with Matthew’s more famous “Sermon on the Mount.”
Luke’s version is known for its “blessings” and its “curses.”
So it is Luke – that records Jesus as saying, “Blessed are you who are poor” – and “Woe to you who are rich!”
In keeping with his reversals, Luke also quotes Jesus as saying, “Blessed are you who are hungry now for you will be filled” and “Woe to you who are full now, for you will be hungry.”
It is, as if these sayings come true in Jesus’ lifetime. He is a real prophet, a real spokesman for God. He is the real deal and people should listen to him.
There is fulfillment to his words…and the rich man, known traditionally as being “Dives” and Lazarus are simply a case in point.
And all of this … all of this … is steeped in “Jewish-ness.” We have the reference to Father Abraham, the first great father (or Patriarch) or clan leader of old.
Followed quickly by Moses, the greatest of all the prophets and the law giver…himself…
And then, there are all the prophets that were individually sent by God – to speak directly with his people. The self-same prophets that went unheeded.
Jesus and his story are enmeshed within the heart of his faith and his tradition.
You do not get any more Jewish than this!
But the real question is would the people listen to Jesus? Would they take his teaching to heart.
We have time on our side, at least right now we do. This minute we do. We have Abraham, Moses and the prophets…and we have someone who was raised from the dead…
But does that matter? Do we listen to them or to him? Do we heed warnings? We have time to listen. We have time to change. We have time to make things right…to do the honorable and right thing.
Do we neglect the poor? Do we purposefully avert our eyes or walk on the other side of the street? Are they all but “invisible” to us…and that’s the way we like it?
Do we fight injustice – or simply not care and look the other way. The clock is ticking…the onus is on us…and no one else!