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LIFE NOW AND HEREAFTER (II)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 8
Luke 16:19-31

Mark 9:43-48

 

“And in hell he lift up his eyes,

being in torments…”

 

LIFE NOW AND HEREAFTER (II)
 
In this story, we have a beggar named Lazarus. Jesus said that he was “laid at his (the rich man’s) gate, full of sores,” obviously in great pain and suffering (Luke 16:20). This was an opportunity for the rich man to show some kindness to Lazarus who laid at his doorsteps greatly “desiring to be fed.” Lazarus was probably at the point of starving to death. The begging was not a momentary affair. Lazarus was there pleading for food daily. The fact that he laid by the gate implies that he was unable to walk. The rich man was indifferent to the plight of Lazarus and considered him no better than a dog, fit only to feed upon the crumbs which fell off the master’s table. Note that the text does not say that Lazarus was actually fed with crumbs; it simply says that Lazarus was hoping to be fed with crumbs. He was in all probability still lying outside at the gate starving to death, with his sores being repeatedly licked by the stray dogs of the street.
 
The beggar died and was found in heaven, and the rich man died and was found in hell. There is a reversal of roles. Lazarus is enjoying bliss, while the rich man is experiencing torment. Abraham’s words aptly describe the situation to the rich man, “Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented” (Luke 16:25).
 
Lazarus was borne by the angels to paradise (cf. Luke 23:43). He is where Abraham is and there is close fellowship between the two. Lazarus who was deprived of eating at the rich man’s table is now seated with Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man, on the other hand, is found in hades, the place of the departed dead. He is described as “being in torments” (Luke 16:23). He himself confessed, “I am tormented in this flame” (Luke 16:24). The place where unregenerate sinners are consigned is described as a fiery abode throughout Scripture (Isa 33:14; 66:24; Matt 3:12; 13:40, 42, 50; 18:8-9; 25:41; Mark 9:43-48; Luke 3:17; Jude 7; Rev 14:10; 19:20; 20:10, 14-15; 21:8).
 
THOUGHT: Hell is for real. The finally impenitent will not be annihilated.

PRAYER: Father, please save me from hell.

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