After Death

Bulletin

Dan Peters
07/30/23 - Death

After Death

There are several things we can know:
Our Identity remains the same and we are knowable. According to Jesus, Lazarus and the rich man knew each other on earth, and were able to recognize each other after death. Plus, the rich man was able to recognize people he had not seen on earth, namely people he read about in the Old Testament, “Abraham”. “And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’ (Luke 16:24).
2. Memories: Not only can we remember, but we can “feel”, “speak”, “see”, “hear”, and “taste”. The rich man’s history was known to Abraham (16:25), who didn’t know the Rich man on earth. How? "for their deeds follow with them.” (Rev. 14:13). So it seems our history is known to others, after death. The Rich man remembered - and could care/love. “And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, that you send him to my father’s house — for I have five brothers — in order that he may warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’” (Luke 16:27-28).
So this dead-rich-man in hades (and torment) is more concerned about salvation and your salvation than you are? How can a dead man be so concerned about the living? Can there be nothing done for the living? Cannot Lazarus come back from the dead to tell his 5 brothers? No. Listen carefully to what the Rich man says and the answer. The Rich man says, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’ “But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.” (Luke 16:30-31).
What could make us repent/change? Stop us in our tracks? I think it is the most difficult thing to do in the world, to get one person to truly change. (At times in prayer, I think have… but then I prove myself wrong, again.) To realize that we are responsible for our every action, and even when we fail to take action (James 4:17). Full stop.
Let us resolve to obey Jesus and become like him. Why? Because he is the only one who came back to life, raised himself up from the dead (John 10:18). Why be like him? Because he was flawless, making every moment count, showing his love for the Father and for us. Why? Because he would call out, “Follow me” to Peter, James, John, Andrew (Mat. 4:19). “Follow me” to Matthew (9:9). Why follow? Jesus accepted no excuses, Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, permit me first to go and bury my father.” But He said to him, “Allow the dead to bury their own dead” - Jesus accepts no excuses (Lk.9:59-60). Dan Peters