WEALTH, AFTERLIFE, AND SIGNS

In the Gospel of Luke, we find a profound story that challenges our understanding of wealth, the afterlife, and the power of God's Word. This account of the rich man and Lazarus serves as a stark reminder of the eternal consequences of our earthly choices and the importance of heeding God's message while we still have the chance.

The story begins with a vivid contrast between two men: a wealthy individual who "habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day," and a poor man named Lazarus, who lay at the rich man's gate, covered in sores and longing for even the crumbs from the rich man's table. This juxtaposition immediately draws our attention to the vast disparity in their earthly circumstances.

However, the true significance of this tale unfolds after both men die. Lazarus is carried by angels to "Abraham's bosom," a place of comfort and rest, while the rich man finds himself in Hades, a place of torment. This dramatic reversal of fortunes challenges our assumptions about wealth and divine favor. It's crucial to understand that the rich man's fate wasn't sealed because of his wealth, but rather due to his failure to use that wealth in accordance with God's will and to cultivate a relationship with Him.

The dialogue that ensues between the rich man and Abraham reveals several profound truths about the afterlife:

1. Consciousness after death: Both Lazarus and the rich man are fully aware of their surroundings and retain their memories and identities.

2. The finality of judgment: Abraham speaks of a "great chasm" fixed between the two realms, emphasizing that one's eternal destiny is sealed at death.

3. The sufficiency of Scripture: When the rich man begs for Lazarus to be sent to warn his brothers, Abraham replies, "They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them." This underscores the power and adequacy of God's Word for salvation.

This story compels us to reflect on our own lives and priorities. Are we, like the rich man, so focused on our earthly comforts that we neglect the eternal perspective? Or are we, like Lazarus, trusting in God despite difficult circumstances?

The account also challenges our understanding of faith and miracles. The rich man believes that if someone were to rise from the dead and warn his brothers, they would surely repent. Yet Abraham's response is telling: "If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead." This statement is particularly poignant when we consider that Jesus Himself would soon rise from the dead, yet many would still refuse to believe.

This brings us to a crucial point about the nature of faith and salvation. Throughout history, people have been saved by faith – whether looking forward to Christ's coming (in Old Testament times) or looking back at His finished work on the cross (in our present era). The consistent thread is trust in God's promises and submission to His will.

The power of God's Word cannot be overstated. As Hebrews 4:12 reminds us, "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." It is through this living Word that God primarily speaks to us and draws us to Himself.

Yet, as Romans 1:18-23 soberly warns us, many choose to "suppress the truth in unrighteousness." Despite the evidence of God's existence and character being evident both within us (through conscience) and around us (through creation), humanity often exchanges "the glory of the incorruptible God for an image in the form of corruptible man and birds and four-footed animals and crawling creatures."

This suppression of truth is a willful act, not a lack of information. In our modern world, access to the Bible and Christian teachings is more widespread than ever before. The issue is not ignorance, but rather a deliberate turning away from the truth.

As we contemplate this powerful story, we are left with several challenging questions:

1. How are we using the resources God has entrusted to us? Are we, like the rich man, living in selfish luxury, or are we using our blessings to serve others and glorify God?

2. Are we truly listening to God's Word, allowing it to shape our lives and transform our hearts? Or are we, like the rich man's brothers, in need of a dramatic wake-up call?

3. How seriously do we take the reality of eternity? Do we live with an awareness that our choices today have consequences that stretch far beyond this life?

4. Are we actively sharing the truth of God's Word with others, recognizing its power to save and transform lives?

The story of the rich man and Lazarus serves as a powerful reminder that our time on earth is limited, and the decisions we make here have eternal consequences. It challenges us to examine our hearts, to ensure that we are not merely hearers of the Word, but doers also.

Let us not be like those who suppress the truth, but rather embrace it wholeheartedly. May we live with eternity in view, using our resources wisely, loving our neighbors sacrificially, and above all, cultivating a deep and abiding relationship with the God who offers us not just life, but life abundant – both now and for eternity.

As we close, let us remember that the greatest miracle of all – the resurrection of Jesus Christ – has already occurred. The question is not whether God has provided sufficient evidence, but whether we will respond to His gracious invitation with faith and obedience. The choice is ours, and the stakes could not be higher.