Heaven and Hell
(Lk. 16:19~25)

No one can avoid death. But the death of our body is not the end and it is a new start. After death, we will be judged by God and move to either heaven or hell according to the result of God’s judgement.

1. The life of a rich man
Jesus explained heaven and hell by the example of a rich man and Lazarus. The rich man lived well in luxury with wearing nice clothes and eating delicious food. With the worldly view, his life seemed to be perfect. But he had to suffer in the fiery hell after death, because he had lived only for his glory. Many people think that accumulated wealth will protect their life and give them happiness of life. (Lk. 12:17-19) However, material things in the world will be nothing when God calls our spirit. The life pursuing selfish desire and sinful lust will give us futility and emptiness in despair. Therefore, we should realize the purpose of God for which God created us and live only for the glory of God. (Rom. 14:8)

2. The life of Lazarus
The beggar, named Lazarus, who believed in God laid at the rich man’s gate and ate the crumbs which fell from the table of the rich man. No one was interested in his life. However, God knew him and comforted his heart. When we have hard times of life, we should depend on God. We should be filled with the fullness of the Holy Spirit. God will comfort our exhausting life and lead us to the way of victory and life.

3. Heaven and hell
The rich man who had most luxurious life in earth went to hell after death while the poor Lazarus suffering from poverty and sickness went to heaven with angels. Any powerful politicians or the richest men in the world will fall to hell without believing in Jesus when they die. (Rev. 21:8) However, children of God who are saved will enjoy peace and joy in heaven after death. (Rev. 22:3-5) We should live for preparing the life in heaven after death. We should not be shameful before the eyes of God by living a meaningful and valuable life and giving glory to God so that we will be praised by Jesus at the gate of heaven at the end.