This passage has always been sobering for me. I don’t want any of my loved ones to be like the rich man who ends up in “that” place. The message is clearly laid out for us on how to avoid it, yet so many people ignore the message.
Heaven and hell. Two places we’ve heard about since we were kids. I’m sure we all have an image of what both are like. Yet, we can’t truly know or even wrap our minds around what eternity would be like in either place. From this account, it is quite clear that hell is not the choice anyone would make on purpose.
Have you ever been asked, “If you died tonight, do you know where you’d be going?” Some people really wrestle with this question because they aren’t sure. They may be stuck thinking they aren’t good enough to “get into” heaven. They may mistakenly believe they haven’t done enough good in the world. Or they may be troubled by their own sinfulness and not realize Jesus already paid the price for them. Many others have never even heard the gospel, the good news about Jesus and his redeeming love. May it not be too late!
The rich man in our passage was oblivious. The teachings were all there for him, just like they are for everyone. Why didn’t he pay attention? Was he too caught up in his lifestyle to listen to the religious leaders? Maybe he thought he could buy his way into heaven? It doesn’t work that way. We don’t get a do-over in life, we have one shot. We need to be aware of what we are doing in this life and how we can be preparing for the life to come. For the rich man, it was too late. We still have time. But don’t wait!
Jesus is speaking to us here, yet he is using the voice of Abraham. It is an interesting way to tell the story. What did you think of this line? “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’” When I read it, I immediately thought of Jesus. Jesus may be telling the story, but he is injecting reference to something that hasn’t happened but soon will. His own death and resurrection.
He speaks to our hard-headedness. If we aren’t able to listen to the law and truth of Scripture, we probably aren’t going to be persuaded by what Jesus has done for us. Sometimes we fail to understand something that is so obvious and right before our eyes. We have all been given the same opportunity and are loved by the same God. That same God wants us to be in heaven with him. The kingdom of God is a home for all. We just need to follow the Son and find the way home. Don’t let it be too late!
Let’s pray. Father God I want to spend eternity with you. As close to you as possible. You have stayed close to me my whole life, and I want that to remain always. I know I am sinful, and I ask you to forgive me for all sins, even those unknown to me. Help me to see clearly my sinful ways so that I can take care to avoid. There are so many people who don’t know how to get to heaven. The answer is YOU! They need to know and trust you. Thank you that you have given me that knowledge and unlocked my heart. Use me today, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
