Luke 16:19-31

“Jesus said, ‘There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.

22 Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham.^[a] The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and his soul went to the place of the dead.^[b] There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.’” v19-23

Today you are probably going to have to read the rest of the passage to understand what happens.  Click here to do that.  Jesus use the example of these two guys to drive home a couple of points:

1. Wealth is not proof or righteousness – Even though the Pharisee’s thought this and even today we have some “name it and claim it” teachings are out there, it doesn’t prove you to be righteous.  We will be held accountable for how we spend our money. It doesn’t mean that we all have to be poor, but it does mean that we will held responsible.
2. Everyone Dies – It’s a reality.  We don’t know when or how but it will happen.  Are you prepared for eternity?
3. There is life after death – you will spend eternity somewhere.  This isn’t reincarnation!  You will either be in eternal peace with God (Heaven) or you will be in eternal torment (Hell).  What you choose on this earth determines where you spend eternity. (read more about this in verses 24-31)
4. If dead people could talk  . . . they would warn us – The rich man was pleading that someone go to his family and tell them the truth so they didn’t end up where he was.  Abraham answered him, they have the prophets and won’t listen to them, what makes you think they will listen to someone who is raised from the dead.
5. Not everyone will believe – It was ironic that Jesus would use this story and end it with this statement, “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’”  Jesus knew that He was going to die.  He also knew that he would be resurrected from the dead.  Even then people still denied who He was and rejected His teachings.  Today its the same way.  People believe many different things.  People have heard the truth and rejected it, while others heard it and took it to heart.  The sad reality is not everyone will believe.

Where do you find yourself.  Passages like this are a good reminder of the reality of eternity.  Its easy to get caught up in the things of the present and forget about the things to come. Take some time today to reflect on this passage and listen to what God might say to you.

Today lets be people who take advantage of the opportunities now, so we and others can enjoy eternity together with God in Heaven.  Don’t hang on to your stuff so tightly that it becomes a stumbling block for you or gets in the way of God using you.