Jesus is Essential
Luke 16:22–24: So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’
When the beggar died, there was no funeral. They just took his body out and threw it into the Valley of Gehenna where refuse was thrown and burned; this is the place where they threw the bodies of the poor in that day. The minute the beggar stepped through the doorway of death, angels became his pall–bearers and he was carried by them into Abraham’s Bosom.
Now when the rich man died, his spirit went to the place of torment, the compartment where the lost go. The beggar went to the compartment called paradise or Abraham’s Bosom. Going through the doorway of death certainly changed their status, but it was due to what was in the hearts of these two men. This is what our Lord has been saying through this entire section—man cannot judge by the outward appearance. 1
Walking with Jesus
Do you see life through an eternal lens? Do you make decisions based upon how fruitful your investment of time, talent, and treasure will be for the Kingdom of God? Do you think more about enriching yourself or enriching the lives of others? Is it easier to give money instead of your time? Is it time to start meeting in a discipleship group?
“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die…” John 11:25–26
An earthly perception of heaven is not even close to the reality of eternal life.
Praying
Lord, thank You for preparing an eternal dwelling place for me, with You, forever.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (Luke) (electronic ed., Vol. 37). Nashville.
