Eternity

There was a rich man who would dress in purple and fine linen, feasting lavishly every day. But a poor man named Lazarus, covered in sores, was left at his gate. He longed to be filled with what fell from the rich man's table, but instead the dogs would come and lick his sores.
One day the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torment in Hades he looked up and saw Abraham a long way off with Lazarus at his side. 'father Abraham' he called out, 'have mercy 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 flame!'
'Son' Abraham said, 'remember that during your life you received your good things, just as Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here, while you are in agony'. Luke 16: 19-25
 
Jesus, Himself, told this story. For those who believe there is no hell, they are in for a shock if in eternity they find themselves not belonging to Christ.
 
I can live for myself and focus on my perceived needs and ignore the pleas of those in desperate need but to what avail?
 
This life may last 100 years or a mere 30 years. Each of us have a time to go. But where will we go? How many TV's can I need? How many couches? Pools? Cars? What happens to all the stuff when we go?
 
Eternity is set and cannot be changed, it is here I can change things, it is here I have an opportunity to get it right with the Lord.
 
The next few verses in the story above Abraham tells the rich man that even if Lazarus wanted to go and help him he could not because there was a huge chasm between heaven and hell. Lazarus was at the mercy of the rich man on earth but the rich man was at Lazarus's mercy in hell. Lazarus may have died at say 50. 50 years is nothing compared to ever and ever and ever and ever.....
 
Christ is forgiving and full of compassion wanting me to go to Him here but in eternity He cannot change my destiny, it is set. I would rather repent and get it right here first.
 
Don't ignore the truth Jesus spoke, it is not a fairy story. What if He was right?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Who Rules?

The princes of Judah are like those who move boundary markers, I will pout out my fury on them like water. Hosea 5:10 World leaders of church and state are now all highly visible. When they are not open to consultation or do not listen they make judgements that are judged as foolish by both God and man. In Australia we just celebrated Australia Day and at this time various people are honoured for their contribution to society. Our Prime Minister, Mr Abbott, without consultation, conferred a knighthood on the Queen of England's husband, Phillip. Almost to a person, Australians judged this to be foolish. Even supporters have now distanced themselves. Imagine what it is like when church leaders follow their own emotions or the emotions of their people and change what is acceptable to God. For example, no longer considering adultery something that precludes a man from ministry. We might think we are clever, but actually going with a sinful flow. Where is God in all this? My emotions ar...
Read more

Know Your Sword!

So he took Him to Jerusalem, had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "if you are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here. For it is written: 'He will give His angels orders concerning You, to protect you, they will support You with their hands, so that you will not strike Your foot against a stone.' And Jesus answered him, "it is said: 'do not test The Lord your God." And the Devil had finished every temptation, he departed from Him for a time. Luke 4:9-11 In this third test Satan quoted scripture but Jesus knew His scripture and was not going to be deceived by his enemy twisting the truth. I am amazed at what Satan tempted Jesus with. He did not know Christ. He had succeeded in tempting the first Adam yet he was thwarted in this attempt. Jesus had lived 30 years and been tutored in godliness with contentment, he was prepared, baptised in the Spirit and sold out to the Father's purpose. Every time our enemy comes against us we ...
Read more

Little Things Grow

The boy's mother said to Elisha, "as The Lord lives and you yourself live, I will not leave you. So he got up and followed her. 2 Kings 4:30 The Shunamite woman had travelled to Mt Carmel to find Elisha after the death of her son. Although Elisha had sent his servant Gehazi to the boy with his staff the woman had come to find Elisha and was not leaving without him. I like this lady's spirit. I am sure The Lord God Almighty also valued her heart. She had a heart for God and made room for Him in her world. Now, having lost her son she knew what to do: find Elisha and not let him go until he came to restore her son. What made the Shunamite woman believe that Elisha could raise her son? Was it the same faith that made her provide him a place to stay in her home? I believe it was God working in her life. I am grateful for her faith, I can read and be encouraged. We do not know her name yet her story lives in scripture. What a little thing it was to feed Elisha and then provide ...
Read more