Hard Lessons From Hell - Learned Too Late

Genesis 39; Genesis 40; Genesis 41; Luke 16
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Scripture

Luke 16

Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

19 Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.

22 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 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.

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

25 “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. 26 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.’

27 “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’

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

30 “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.’
31 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Observation

How many lessons did this man learn in Hell only to find out that he learned them too late? How many lessons can you find in this story? Let me point out some that are pretty obvious. He learned that hell is a real place and it was hot! He was in torment. He was able to remember back on how he lived ... now with deep regret. He suddenly had concern for the spiritual well being of his family but it was too late. Every lesson he learned in hell did him no good. It was too late!

He still even in hell wanted to order Lazarus around just like he must have done folks when he was on earth. Some things never change!

Application

Hell is real and that is what makes the Gospel - Good News! I will look for opportunities today to share the Gospel.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I don’t want to have regrets when I stand before You so help me share my faith. I pray for those in my family that don’t know you. I pray that you would lead me to people that need to hear the Good News. Thank you for saving me. I don’t deserve it. You are a God of Grace.

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