The Storyteller 6

Usually at funerals, no one has anything bad to say, except this one… when I asked the son, he said “he was a bad man, I have nothing good to say lets get this over with.” Then I did the service, he was a veteran, no one told me, until after the service!

Luke 16:19–31 ESV

“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ ”

What Do We Learn From This Parable?

1. Status On Earth Does Not Translate To Heaven

The rich man remained anonymous, but he named the poor man.

The cool kids in school, now all work at home depot

I would give up being popular in this world, if it means I have greater status in God’s kingdom.

2. There Are 2 Final Destinations

The one thing that makes all men equal is death!

There is 2 locations mentioned Abraham’s side and Hades (explain the 2)

Growing up asking about heaven… growing up in the texas heat and drinking a brisk Lipton tea!!!

Quote: The Pharisees professed belief in a future life and in future judgment. However, they did not live in conformity with that belief but rather in the pursuit of wealth (v. 14), just like the rich man of the parable.

Do you live your like in such a way that shows that you know your final destination is not this earth!

3. Even In Death We Are Aware

They could speak to him, but they could not reach

I know this is hard to hear, but I truly believe that when we get to heaven we will know who is missing, and why they are missing.

Do not let another day go by, until you have shared Christ with someone that needs it. We never know if we will get another opportunity.

4. Get Things Settled Before It Is Too Late

The rich man thought every thing was settled and he had nothing. The poor man had nothing, but he had everything settled .

Please don’t make me lie at your funeral.

If today was your last day on this earth, do you know without a shadow of a doubt that you will be with God?

What does this mean for us?

Are your seeking worldly status or kingdom status?

Do you need to share your faith more?

If today was your last day, do you know for sure you would be in Heaven?