By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
Luke 16:25 " … “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…" - NIV
The richman lived in luxury, ignored the poor man Lazarus, and didn’t give thought to the afterlife. He died and was in torment in hell. Lazarus too died and was in paradise with Abraham. In attempt to seek relief from the torment of fire, the categorical answer from Abraham was that it wasn’t possible. He was suffering the consequences of ignoring the eternal in his earthly temporary and luxurious life.
Such is the deception of the temporary life. It promises lasting enjoyment but falls far short. While people are at it, they are blindfolded from what lasts beyond this life into the eternal. They maximise the moment, get puffed up with pride, ignore God and are decieved to think the temporary enjoyment is all there is to life.
It was the same deception of the rich young fool. His stores were fool of harvest. Thinking he had got what would sustain him for all years to come, he promised his soul plenty for the rest of his future. God called him a fool, for exalting the temporary and ignoring relationship with his Creator. I pray you understand early in life that these things are fleeting, here today and tomorrow they are gone. Never set your heart on them. And seriously consider your relationship with God.
Luke 12:20-21 "But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night you will have to give up your life; then who will get all these things you have kept for yourself?’ ” And Jesus concluded, “This is how it is with those who pile up riches for themselves but are not rich in God's sight.”
Shalom children of God