Yesterday as a part
of the series “Heaven Is For Real” I shared the parable Jesus taught about
Heaven & Hell known as the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus. Without
even reading these verses in Luke 16:19-31, a great lesson is revealed just by
carefully considering the title. Take a moment to think about the difference in
this title, between the two men.
The difference is, only one of them has a name.
The rich man in hell has no name. No name that is, known to Christ. He had and enjoyed many things on earth: lovely home, fine clothing and gourmet food, position of honor- Just not a relationship with the God of heaven. His money could not buy that. I'm sure they knew his name at the bank, the car dealership, the club. But not in heaven. That’s not to say rich people can’t go to heaven, of course they can, but money is not the ticket in.
Lazarus, by contrast, had and enjoyed very little of material things. But he is the true rich man in the story. Because what he did have was worth far more than all of the rich man's things put together. Lazarus had a name known to God.
"I have called you by name; you are mine!" Isaiah 43:1.
Jesus’ death on a cross redeems the whole world. But only those who put their trust in Him, and Him alone, have their names written in the book of life and on the lips of the Good Shepherd: "He calls His own sheep by name" John 10:3.
God has blessed you in many ways. But nothing compares with knowing that your name is known to Him!
The difference is, only one of them has a name.
The rich man in hell has no name. No name that is, known to Christ. He had and enjoyed many things on earth: lovely home, fine clothing and gourmet food, position of honor- Just not a relationship with the God of heaven. His money could not buy that. I'm sure they knew his name at the bank, the car dealership, the club. But not in heaven. That’s not to say rich people can’t go to heaven, of course they can, but money is not the ticket in.
Lazarus, by contrast, had and enjoyed very little of material things. But he is the true rich man in the story. Because what he did have was worth far more than all of the rich man's things put together. Lazarus had a name known to God.
"I have called you by name; you are mine!" Isaiah 43:1.
Jesus’ death on a cross redeems the whole world. But only those who put their trust in Him, and Him alone, have their names written in the book of life and on the lips of the Good Shepherd: "He calls His own sheep by name" John 10:3.
God has blessed you in many ways. But nothing compares with knowing that your name is known to Him!
Your pastor and partner
in ministry,
Kyle
Tonight:Father/Son Fishing Trip
Location: Meet at C3 but we fish at Cedar Bluff
Time: 5:30-7:30pm
RSVP to: mans@celebratejesus.org
New Mid-Week Series at C3
The End
Starting Wed. May 21st 7pm
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