A Rich Man Clothed in Purple and Fine Linen - Luke 16:19

The beloved physician Luke wrote how Jesus said, “Whosoever puts away his wife, and marries another, commits adultery: and whosoever marries her that is put away from her husband commits adultery”, and in chapter sixteen and verse nineteen of his book Luke wrote how Jesus began another story by saying, “there was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen” where we read:

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen,

and fared sumptuously every day:

The verse reads, “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, ...” Luke began with the words, “there was a certain rich man” or “there existed a particular wealthy, abounding in material resources and abundantly supplied male human being”, “which was clothed” which means “who wore garments” “in purple” or “which were made of fabric colored with purple dye or cloth” “and fine linen” which means “and byssus which was a species of Egyptian flax and was very costly, delicate and soft”. Luke shared how Jesus began to share concerning a “wealthy man” who wore “costly clothes” which were “delicate, soft and colored in purple”.

The verse goes on to say, “... and fared sumptuously every day:” Luke continued with the words, “and fared sumptuously” or “and was gladdened, made joyful and rejoicing splendidly and magnificently” “every day” which means “each, all and the whole amount of days he lived”. Luke shared how Jesus said this “rich man” lived “luxuriously and happy” every day of his life.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn of another “rich man” who had the best of clothing and enjoyed “glad and joyful” living because of his wealth. It should be noted that this man would have possessed “nothing” if God had not provided these things for him, but at this point in the man's life, he was enjoying every day. Jesus will say more about this man in the next few verses, but suffice it for now to know all things belong to God (See Psalm 24:1), and those who are wise understand this truth and yield themselves to His Son Jesus so they may enjoy the “true riches” of God for all eternity.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus continues His story by saying, “there was a certain beggar named Lazarus” so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".