Perspectives

Luke 16:22-26… 22) The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23) In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24) So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire. 25) But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26) And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ (NIV)

Throughout all the ages, people have predicted life after death. We understand some of their talking points. This is really not that new to any of us. But only in the last, say, 30 years or so have modern medical procedures become so efficient that claims are made that 100,000 plus lives are saved each year. In fact it boggles the mind when we read about clinical death experiences, those who have been brought back, and those who have been snatched out of the claws of the undertaker, those who have come back to tell what it was like on the other side. This has created a whole new idea concerning death, its sensations, and its meaning.

What motivates or stirs our mind and heart when we think about dying? We know death has occurred when our spirit leaves the body. Most folks that I know say that they are not afraid of dying. However, there are those who say that they would like to be someplace else when that happens. But what does it really feel like to die? Death survivors tell us that the moment of death is absolutely painless. It feels like fainting.

Is it possible that the fear of death is exaggerated by the fear of the unknown? If you and I could find out what might exist beyond death’s door and how it felt to go there, then much of the fear of death could be removed. People today might feel more secure if we could go back in time to say ancient Egypt. Rent a U-Haul truck, fill it up with all our possessions, have it follow along in the funeral procession, carrying all our wealth into the afterlife. Now barring a rapture, none of us will leave this world alive or with our earthly riches. Each of us will have our turn with death, whether we like it or not.

Jesus Christ in Luke chapter 16:22-26 tells a story about a rich man and a poor beggar who died: Verse 22 … “The beggar died, and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.” We can be sure that the rich man’s burial was one of great showiness and fashionable ceremony. But what about his soul?

Well in verse 23, Jesus gives us the answer… Notice several things that happened to the rich man. First, he is in torment. There is a literal pain. Somehow, he catches sight of others who are in heaven and at peace. The second thing we see is that he is fully conscious, aware of his surroundings and has his memory. He can reason. He has feelings. He could hear. He could taste. It is as if he still had a tongue.

There was a time when I would joke about hell, thinking somebody would come to my rescue. But what do I do with verse 26… Speaking for Jesus, Abraham answers the rich man’s request…? And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ That fixed chasm, rift or gulf that Abraham is talking about suggests a forever place, where nobody, no matter who will ever be able to come to our rescue after we die.

The Bible story we have discussed does not say that it is a sin to be rich. But it teaches whether rich or poor that it is a sin when we live only for ourselves, when we shut our ear to the voice of God, as it is written in the Scriptures when we fail to practice the love and mercy taught by Jesus… To God Be the Glory Great Things He Has Done.

Would you pray this prayer with me? “Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I want that peace, joy and happiness that fulfills my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name. Amen”