Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16:19-26 NLT

Jesus said, "There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man's table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.

"Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.

"The rich man shouted, 'Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in the water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.'

"But Abraham said to him, 'Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there "

Blessed are the poor

For myself the rich man is like people here in this world who take God's Grace for granted and simply live for worldly things. They indulge in the latest fashions and trends, go on elaborate trips, and eat at the finest restaurants; yet they ignore other people who are unable to do the same things. Jesus said in Matthew 5:3 NLT "God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs." 

If we have accepted the gift of salvation then we declared ourselves a citizen of Heaven and no longer consider ourselves as a part of this world. Our lives are for heavenly riches and not for worldly pleasure. We have to know that as long as we reside in this world then we are going to suffer and encounter difficulties.
And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there. -Luke 16:20 NLT
Once mankind deliberately chose to disobey God, sin came into this world causing us to be separated from Him.

Picture taken from this website

We have to understand what sin is. It is the exact opposite of God, or it can be thought of as "without 🙅 God." If God is the epitome of all that is pure, good, and holy 💗 then sin is the epitome of all that is putrid, wrong, and evil 👿 Luke 16:23 said that the rich man's soul went to the place of the dead. This implies that his physical body passed away, but his soul continued to exist. However his soul did not exist in this physical world but in purgatory where only sin was present. Since sin is the exact opposite of God, where sin exists God cannot be present as well. This is because God would counteract the sin and wipe it out causing only His Presence to remain. That is why "No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there."

Luke 16:27-31 NLT

“Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’ 

“But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’ 

“The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’ 

“But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’ “
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God provided us with scripture to warn us about the place of torment. Can you imagine how many people, who are currently in that place, want to desperately send a warning to those they care about? 😨 This is why it is so important to read the Bible 📖
Abraham said, "If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead."
-Luke 16:31 NLT
Jesus anyone?
 
Picture taken from this website

🙏

Almighty God,

I pray that Your beloved creation heeds Your warning against the place of torment. What future awaits us if we live apart from You 🔥🥵🔥 Yet You love us so much to just let that happen 💍 Your Grace is so infinite 🙌 that You made a way for us to willingly live within Your embrace 🤗 You gave us the freedom to choose You and eternity 😇 over the place of torment.

I pray that we listen to Moses and the prophets; and especially listen to the One who rose from the grave 💖 I pray that we do not get distracted by worldly luxuries 💎 and endure the suffering. For one day we will be comforted 😂

🙇🏻‍♂️
Amen 

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