A Request From Eternity

Introduction - Take your Bibles and open to Luke 16.

As you turn there, I would like for us to consider a sobering question.

I want you to think about this question— and consider what our answer would be.

One of the ways, the Lord Jesus Christ the Master Teacher taught was by asking questions.

In the Bible there are no records of anyone having a voice from eternity—safe God Himself—

In fact the only one other passage I would consider, is questionable as to who we are dealing with.

Now we have passages of folks being raised from the dead…

The Lord Jesus Christ Himself— we have the facts of His resurrection…

Withstanding the records of the Lord’s resurrection or someone like Lazarus— we have no record of someone from eternity delivering a message to us.

And as coming off of Missions Emphasis Sunday, I could not help but think—-

If God allowed you and I to have a singular message to give— one message—- one thrust—- one last thing to say—- from the position of being in eternity—-with that vantage point—-

What would be the most important message we could deliver?

That is a pretty weighty question… I am reminded of another weighty question like that recorded in the Scriptures.

Now this is almost par— with what God presented to Solomon—- God told Solomon in 2 Chronicles 1:7 “7 In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee.”

What a question—- Solomon had an opportunity to ask for whatever He wanted….in fact, later on God commends Solomon because He did not ask for wealth— He did ask for longevity of life——which is what most men might think of…

What would you say?

Now Solomon answered with wisdom—

And so — this is similar in a way— if we stepped from this life into the next— and had one opportunity to say something to those who were still here on this earth what would we say?

Now I am saying one thing and one thing only… And imagine if it could only be to one person.

Now I will say, that in eternity— our viewpoint is different.

1 Corinthians 13:12 “12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”

We have a complete revelation in the Bible—- but our understanding of it is partial…

“Corinth was famous for its metal mirrors, so Paul used that as an illustration. One saw only a dim reflection of the real person in those mirrors, just as we see only a dim reflection of God today. But when Christ comes, we shall know Him as we are known by Him!”

In our text today the Bible gives us an example of a man—in eternity—— And He request for one message to be given—- what does He say and why does he say….

There is no other passage that I can think of like this one.

But the Lord of glory, the eternal I AM—- says pay attention to this case…

Understand what I am saying.

As so often as the Lord has said— “He that hath ears let him hear...”

I pray we will hear this morning what the Lord has to tell us.

Let’s look beginning in verse 19.

Luke 16:19–31 “19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And 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. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.”

Now there is some irony in that statement for you and I, because the Lord of glory did rise from the dead—- and yet there will still many that did not believe.

Would you notice verses 27 and 28— what shocked me so much this week as the Lord brought this to my mind is the request of this man—?

He wanted them to hear a particular message.

This was one of two things he asked for — for someone to deliver a life-giving message.

And I want us to think about that—— because we make so much about other things—- but if we had one message in eternity—- and we can deliver it—- this man shows us what it would be.

Let’s Pray

I just want to present what is here in the text—- and you come decide what this is all about.

Please realize that there is a reason and purpose for the Lord sharing this revelation of truth—- that by the way only God could reveal.

You see no one—- outside of the revelation of the Lord can give us an understanding of what is in eternity.

This passage is no parable—that is my conviction—- for parables never use names and parables secondly always are dealing with something familiar to teach a particular truth.

The parable narrative itself is intended to be common. Look at all of the parables the Lord gives and you will find (1) there are no name— and (2) the subject matter is that which is common to life.

This, that we are dealing with here is not something familiar, but rather something revealing.

This is perhaps the boldest revelation that God had given up to this point concerning what takes place to men once they pass from this short space of time into eternity.

So what do we have here?

We have first of the story of:

I. Two Men

Did you know that every man has a story….

You have a story and I have a story…

If we know each other well we may share part of our journey one with another…

But we all have a story.

At the very beginning there is nothing unusual here, there is nothing that we do not already know…

But we see first:

A. Their Situation in Life

These were men just like you and I see today— they are living life…

They are spending the great commodity of time.

Each of these men, were born into this world. Each of these men at some point were connected to flesh and blood family.

Each of these men had to deal with life.

Each of these men— we would say dealt with different social standings.

Now the Lord points out two things about these men.

One was Rich

Luke 16:19 “19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:”

This describing His wealth and enjoyment of life.

One was Poor

And the Bible tells us about this man that He was a beggar.

Luke 16:20 “20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,”

One was rich one was a poor, as far as the world is concerned.

Now, I think I have said before and I will say it again. God does not say one cannot be materially wealthy and be right with Him.

He simply gives warning as to the love of money rather than God.

1 Timothy 6:17 is proof of this, Paul tells Timothy, “17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;”

But He does emphasize there should be a difference in what drives or motivates a man.

Look with me at verse 15, just before this passage.

The Lord is dealing with a class of very religious folks, the Pharisees whom the Bible says in verse 14, were covetous—- they desired money above the Lord— their desires were according to the Lord what men highly esteemed.

And we can understand that— men esteem money, and fame, and power… and earthly authority.

In verse 15, the Lord states, Luke 16:15 “15 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”

The Lord says, You declare yourselves righteous before men— but that holds no water with God—- because He knows the reality of our hearts.

And notice, the Lord continues that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Can I say (just for application) that the direction of our lives should not be based on what men think, but it should be based on what God says is important?

“It is interesting to note that we are given the name of Lazarus, but not the name of the wealthy man. As we will see, Lazarus was popular with God, but the rich man was not. Lazarus evidently honored the Lord with his life and the Lord honored him. We are talking about him over 2000 years later”

And I say to you here this morning that so many decisions and things would be settled in your life, if you would just simply be more concerned for what God thinks than what men think.

So we have two men,

But then secondly, we have:

II. Two Destinations

Again, can I say all of us are headed somewhere.

I want you to understand that what the Lord reveals is there is a situation in life in this world… but also know, there is a situation in life in the world to come.

This is something you and I could not know except it was revealed to us by God.

You see Lazarus physically died… and so did the rich man.

For Lazarus this was not a burden—this death was a blessing.

We are reminded of the verse in Psalm 116:15 “15 Precious in the sight of the Lord Is the death of his saints.”

But the death of this wealthy man — is just the opposite.

As I said in the introduction— there are no records of men coming back from the dead to inform us.

We have God’s sure record of what is to come.

Further, we understand from this, that your success according to men, does not secure an eternity with the Lord.

And so the Lord says, make note of this:

A. Their Situation After Life On Earth

1. One in Hell

2. One in Paradise

Verse 23 states, “23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”

Two distinct situations.

Now without getting into the distinction between what I believe the Bible teaches about paradise and heaven… for the sake of simplicity— let us just consider—- that there is a place of comfort—a place of good things——a place of intimacy with God.

And there is most certainly a place of torment, a place of darkness—it is a place of heat and of a flame (vs.24).

If we were presented with those two situations, there is not one— who has a real understanding of what this means— who would choose the place of torment and darkness.

You say— well what about those who say— that they want to go to a place the Bible calls hell…— that is what they choose.

Well I would say to those who make such remarks— then why do you attempt to live in peace and in comfort in this life?

You see either a person does not understand the terrible nature of this place that God describes in His Word.

And can I say also before we proceed, that their station in life is not what determined their station in life to come—-

But let us move on to the rest of the passage…

We see there is no conversation given from Lazarus— but there is thirdly:

III. Two Requests

From the rich man.

And this— ties us into the introduction.

If we just had but one last message and could speak to one person—- or a group of persons—-from eternity….What would it be?

We would have to think very carefully because that one opportunity surely would need to be the most important thing we have to say.

And ironically—- this is coming from one who is lost, separated from God.

1. Request for Self Relief

Now the thought hit me as I was studying for this message—- that this man that is spoken about here is still in this situation—-at this very moment…

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 9:27 “27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:”

One Bible scholar stated it this way, “Death occurs but “once” in this world. It cannot be repeated if we should desire to have it repeated.”

And according to our text here there is an immediate sentence of state. — This is clear by the explanation of these two men.

So what is the first request? It is a request for self-relief.

Luke 16:24 “24 And 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.”

And the Bible is clear that there is no relief….

In fact notice the word “Remember…” in verse 25. What this reveals is that the lost will have the ability to remember.

And so if there is no relief, then secondly, there is a:

2. Request for A Selfless Rescue

Abraham’s reply— tells this rich man that there is nothing he can do for him.

Christian, listen carefully— the time that Abraham had in this world had past.

Abraham lived and stood for the Lord in His generation.

All that He could do for the Lord on this earth is done here.

God blessed Abraham and you and I by recording His record— and in that way—His life still speaks.

He tells Him in verse 26—

“...And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed…”

There is an impassable gulf between them.

But notice in verses 27 and 28 His second request—

Luke 16:27–28 “27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.”

If one could speak from eternity— what would there message be?

It is found there in verse 28— to testify unto them of the reality of heaven and hell,

They would testify of the manifold grace of God

They would testify of Salvation in Christ and Christ alone….

And He says, testify to them…lest they also come into this place of torment.

You see the situation between Lazarus and the rich man not only is reversed—- but it is resolute *meaning unchangeable.

And so—- there are two very specific lessons I would like us to consider.

You see we have two men, two destinations, two requests, but now:

IV. Two Lessons

Lesson 1—-

If that is the most important message you would give from eternity—-to those who are in need of Salvation,

And you cannot give that message from eternity—-

Then the time to speak to others about eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord is now!

You see the rich man— could not speak from eternity— save our Lord’s allowance of this record…

And you and I cannot either.

My heart is burdened for those all around us who are stepping into eternity—- and will without Christ be as this rich man.

If we are not moved by the Words of the Lord to action, when will be moved?

You see Abraham says the same this to this lost man.

Abraham says—- if they will not believe the Word of God — He uses the phrase, Moses and the prophets though someone—- be raised from the dead—- they will not believe.

I believe the Lord is trying to help us understand that now is the time.

Who do you know that does not know Christ as their Savior?

There is a fellow among us who has said to me— more than once—-Pastor— I have too far down the line (he means age wise) to be fooling around— I just plainly ask people.

And I believe that your life would be so much fuller as a child of God if all of us would adopt that attitude…

Oftentimes we focus on the lost man in this passage—-but I believe the Lord is telling us we have no voice— to affect anything here on this earth once we step into eternity…

How serious is it?

It is the most serious thing in all the world.

Lesson 2—

There may be someone here today— that needs to be testified to….

This wealthy mans plea is that someone would testify to His family the Words of Life they needed to hear.

Who knows… maybe somehow here today is related down the line to the man that is recorded about here… in this passage I don’t know.

But you need the message that this rich man wanted to give His brethren.

Did you know that you could be materially rich and still be poor toward God?

Revelation 3:17 the very last book of the Bible—the Lord says, “17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:”

Listen, if that is you here this morning, I want to testify to you, that God love you—-

He states in His Word, that … “God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins….” Ephesians 2:4

The great testimony that you must know and hear is that first God loves you.

The Bible says in Romans 5:8 “8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

See every one of us have a sin problem… and the Bible says that the wages of sin is death…. but it also says, that the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Listen, if we die in our sins then there is but one verdict—- guilty and there is but one destination—-

These records Matthew, Mark, Luke and John record for us the truth that Jesus Christ came to this earth— lived a sinless life so that He could die on a cross and shed His blood to pay my sin debt and your sin debt.

In fact, the Bible tells us, “…without shedding of blood is no remission.” Hebrews 10:18

Jesus shed His blood to pay for your sin debt.

When He cried out it is finished, it was finished. He then was buried and three days afterwards He rose from the grave proving that He is the Savior and that His sacrifice was accepted by God the Father.

He paid the debt you owe.

All that is left is for us to repent of our sin and by faith receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

The Lord stated in the latter part of the verse Matthew 9:13 “… I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Listen the Lord does not need you to try to clean up to come to Him—He says come to me in repentance and in belief and I will save you.

So you Pastor James how can I?

Well (1) Admit your a sinner and agree with God that you are lost and in need of a Savior.

(2) Believe all that Moses and the prophets spoke about—- pointing people to the time when Jesus would come—and He did. Do you believe that Jesus is God’s only Son? Do you believe that He live a sinless life and died on the cross for you? Do you believe that He died was buried and rose from the grave three days later, as the Bible says? Do you believe that He can and will save you as the Bible promises?

The Bible says in Romans 10:9–10 “9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

(3) Cry out to God in pray, believing and ask Him to save you.

Romans 10:13 “13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Now we are going to have an invitation and there are two lessons here, for the 1, perhaps there are some here today that realize the most important thing I have to share is the gospel with someone else and the time to do it is now.

Maybe you would come and commit today— to delay no longer…. but some how some way—- you are going to be a witness for the Lord Jesus Christ!

Or maybe you are here today and lesson 2 is the one you needed to hear.

And you realize that you have never ask God to save you repenting toward God and exercising faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to save you?

Could I challenge you to seal and cement that decision today?

Let’s Pray