12/24/16

Lazarus, the Rich Man and the Compassionate Dogs


According to the parable of Lazarus and the rich man, it was dogs who showed compassion to a poor man when man wouldn't.




"There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores." (Luke 16:19-21)

Lazarus, a sick and homeless man covered with sores, laid outside the home of a wealthy man hoping for scraps of food. The rich man who always dined extravagantly never gave Lazarus a bite of food or help of any kind. While Lazarus was ill-treated by man, the dogs showed a kindness to him by licking the wounds on his body to help promote healing and reduce pain.

The moral of the story (after their deaths)...

"Abraham said [to the rich man], Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things [and did not share with others], and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish." (Luke 16:25)

The dogs in this Bible story...

Dogs truly are man's best friend!