You can read Luke 16:19-end here
After yesterday’s look at the Parable of the Shrewd Manager, today we find ourselves with the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man. I remember that one of the first sermons I ever preached was on this passage, regarding Heaven and Hell, and it was the first time I came across Surprised by Hope, Tom Wright’s brilliant discussion of the subject. Quite a deep subject to get your preaching start with! There are several things that interest me about this passage. One is that the “destinations” of the Rich Man and Lazarus are denoted as entirely natural. It should not be a surprise that the poor man is at Abraham’s side, and the Rich Man is in torment in Hades. Perhaps a nod to some of the quandary I found myself in yesterday?! Abraham’s comments in verse 25 and 26, explaining the reason for the Rich Man’s repose and suffering in Hades are similarly natural-seeming. This man has given no regard to God during his earthly life and received all his treasure in full. Added to which the gap between Heaven and Hades cannot be covered by any man (except, Jesus, remember it is Jesus telling this story).
The desperation of verse 27, as the Rich Man pleads that his family might be allowed to hear is chilling, as is the answer he receives: they should have all the information they need make the right choice. And then the crux of the whole passage comes…
“‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
In the light of what happens at the end of the Gospel account of the life of Jesus, we might be tempted to nod sagely at this point. However I think it’s all too easy for us to take the prophetic voices (whether they be biblical or contemporary) we hear pointing us to make the most of the opportunity for life, hope and peace with God now for granted. I know for myself I have the tendency to seek improvement and influence, happiness and well-being in the here and now, rather than listening to Jesus’ exhortation to live not only for now but with a mind on the things of heaven and the Kingdom. Are we willing to change our priorities so our lives are lived, and appear to be, lives which prioritise the things of God? Will we seek the well-being of others over our own? Will we consider how we use our money, our time, our talents, in a way which speaks loudly the truth in love, to those around us who need to hear it?
Whether Heaven and Hell are as they are described here is not, I believe, the point Jesus is trying to make. In the prophets, in Moses, and ultimately in the life and story of Jesus Himself, we as the Church have the life and hope we need to show those we love the best way to live, now and for eternity. What a challenge that is. What a privilege.