Where We Will Spend Eternity: Parable of the rich man and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31
Our scripture reading from Luke 16:19-31, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, compels us to consider a reality far beyond our fleeting earthly existence: Walking Toward Eternity. This powerful narrative, told by our Lord Jesus Himself, lays bare the individual responsibility we bear in determining where we will spend eternity.
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I. THE DECISION OF WHERE WE WILL SPEND ETERNITY IS INDIVIDUAL (vv. 19-22)
This parable introduces us to two contrasting figures: a rich man, living in extravagant comfort, and Lazarus, a poor beggar afflicted with sores, longing for even the scraps from the rich man's table. Their earthly circumstances were vastly different, but the ultimate decision regarding their eternal abode rested solely on their individual lives and choices.
a. How do we spend our lives? (v. 19) The rich man lived a life of luxury, "dressed in fine purple and linen and lived in luxury every day." His focus was on earthly pleasures and material indulgence. Lazarus, on the other hand, endured hardship and suffering. How are we spending our days? Are we consumed by the pursuit of wealth and worldly comforts, neglecting the weightier matters of the soul? Or are we living lives of compassion, justice, and love, mindful of the needs of those around us? Our daily actions, our priorities, reveal the direction in which our hearts are truly walking.
b. What value do we place on material possessions? (v. 19) The rich man's identity seemed intertwined with his wealth. His fine clothing and lavish lifestyle defined his existence. The parable doesn't condemn wealth in itself, but it highlights the danger of allowing material possessions to become our ultimate focus, blinding us to the needs of others and our own spiritual poverty. What value do we place on what we own? Does it draw us closer to God and enable us to serve others, or does it become a barrier, separating us from the true riches of eternity?
c. How do we face adversity? (vv. 20, 21) Lazarus, in his suffering, remained at the rich man's gate. The text doesn't explicitly detail his inner thoughts, but his patient endurance in the face of immense hardship speaks volumes. How do we respond to adversity? Do we become bitter and resentful, turning away from God? Or do we, like Lazarus, cling to hope and perhaps even find a deeper reliance on God amidst our trials? Our response to earthly suffering can reveal the true state of our hearts and the direction of our eternal walk.
II. WE MUST BE PREPARED FOR THE INEVITABLE: THE PASSAGE TO ETERNITY (vv. 22-26)
The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the death of both men. This inevitable passage underscores the temporary nature of our earthly existence and the eternal consequences of our earthly choices.
a. How do we walk with God? The text simply states that Lazarus was carried by the angels to Abraham's side, a place of honor and comfort. This implies a life lived in accordance with God's will, a walk of faith that prepared him for this blessed reception. The rich man, in contrast, found himself in Hades, in torment. How are we walking with God now? Are we cultivating a relationship with Him through prayer, studying His Word, and living according to His commands? Our present walk dictates our eternal destination.
b. Jesus validated the existence of hell (v. 23). The rich man, in his torment, "looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side." Jesus Himself, in this parable, unequivocally confirms the reality of a place of suffering for those who reject God and His ways. Let us not be deceived by those who would downplay or deny this truth. In Hades, the senses are not lost, nor in heaven... The rich man could see, feel, and remember his earthly life and the missed opportunities. This stark reality should sober us and motivate us to live wisely.
c. There is no purgatory. From Hades we cannot pass to heaven (vv. 23-26). The rich man pleaded with Abraham to send Lazarus to cool his tongue and later to warn his brothers. Abraham's response, "Between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to 1 us," clearly illustrates the finality of the eternal separation. This passage offers no comfort for a second chance or an intermediate state like purgatory. The decisions we make in this life have eternal and irreversible consequences.
III. OUR LIVES MUST BE PREPARED NOW TO GO TO ETERNITY (vv. 27-31)
The rich man's concern shifted to his brothers, still living in the same heedless manner. His plea highlights the urgency of preparing for eternity now.
a. We cannot pass back from the spiritual realm to the material realm (vv. 27-29). The rich man asked Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers. Abraham's reply, "They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them," emphasizes the sufficiency of God's revealed Word. Even a miraculous return from the dead would likely not persuade those who disregard the clear teachings of Scripture. We cannot rely on extraordinary events to jolt us into faith. The truth is already available to us.
b. We are responsible for our decisions (vv. 30, 31). The rich man persisted, believing that a resurrected Lazarus would be more convincing. But Abraham's final words are a powerful indictment: "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." This underscores our personal responsibility. We have the Word of God, the witness of the Holy Spirit, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. If we choose to ignore these, no spectacular sign will change our hearts. The decision of where we spend eternity rests squarely on our shoulders.
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Conclusion:
Brothers and sisters, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus is not a comfortable story, but it is a necessary one. It strips away any illusions of a second chance after death and emphasizes the profound and individual nature of our eternal destiny. Our lives must be prepared now to go to eternity.
Let us examine our hearts. How are we spending our lives? What are our priorities? Are we allowing material possessions to blind us to the spiritual realities? Are we heeding the clear warnings and loving invitations found in God's Word?
The path we walk today determines where we will spend eternity. Let us choose wisely. Let us turn away from the fleeting pleasures of this world and fix our eyes on the eternal riches found in a relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Let us walk each day with intention, with faith, and with a deep awareness of the eternal journey upon which we are all embarked. May we all be found on the path that leads to Abraham's side, to eternal comfort and joy in the presence of our God.
