^“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 sees 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 received thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.” Luke 16:19-25

Something that always stands out in this Scripture is the consciousness of both Lazarus, who was eternally comforted and the rich man, who is eternally entombed in torment.  Before the Cross of Jesus, the blood of bulls and goats could not take away sin.  The Saints of the Old Testament were held captive by satan in Paradise, with him hoping to one day get them into the burning side of hell.  When Jesus came, He led “captivity captive”  (Ephesians 4:8-9).  In Paradise, the Old Testament Saints were comforted, just as Lazarus was, as they awaited the Cross of Jesus to deliver them. ” And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.” Colossians 2:15.  Jesus Christ made a show as He led satan’s captives (Old Testament Saints) captive, triumphing over satan and his minions.  The sin debt for past, present and future Children of God, for whosoever will believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, was and is paid in full by the Blood of Jesus.

Then there was the rich man.  The one eternally entombed in torment…consciously.  They’re those Saints who won’t allow anything on earth to keep them from the Lord and then those who remain lost and will not allow God’s richest blessings to bring them to the Lord.  Some who walk in heavenly places and mind the things of the Holy Spirit by picking up their cross daily and appropriating their faith in Jesus, Who He is and what He has done.  Then those who mind things of the flesh, concluding their blessings are due to their works and never realizing their wickedness.

There is an entire religious world that has not realized their own wickedness.  They are being brought together under the guise of unity in the name of God but it is not the God of the Bible, it is not the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…it is their own god, the idol they have built to accommodate their lifestyle with a strange fire that brings death.  The only thing that really matters in life is being right with God, the God of the Bible, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.  There is a Heaven and there is a hell.  It is very easy to step off in to hell, eternally entombed in torment.  However, there is only One Way to make Heaven our home…Jesus Christ.

” Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that enters not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. ² But he that enters in by the door is the Shepherd of the sheep. ³ To Him the porter opens; and the sheep hear His voice: and He calls His own sheep by name, and leads them out. ⁴ And when He puts forth His own sheep, He goes before them, and the sheep follow Him: for they know His voice. ⁵ And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers.” John 10:1-5. 

What is keeping you from the Lord Jesus Christ?  Is He calling your name to lead you out?  Are you listening?  Regrettably, the rich man did not listen and continues to this day consciously seeking that one drop of water.  Jesus has won the battle already against whatever you’re fighting.  Allow Jesus to lead you out – follow Him, the Way, the Truth and the Life.

-Donna Clark Warren