The Next Life
“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; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom” (Luke 16:22-23).
She lived most of her life in the poorest of circumstances, and at 74 years of age, passed from this life to the next. I visited her often over the years, and attended her funeral the other day. Irma was a bright believer, and in spite of a difficult life as a cripple and the appalling surroundings of the only home she really ever knew, always managed to give a bright smile and a word of encouragement to those around her.
At her graveside service, I couldn’t help but think of the rich man and the poor man, Lazarus, whose stories are recounted by the Lord in Luke 16. They lived in very different circumstances in this life, but only one was ready for the next life. As a result, their eternal circumstances are, and will be, not only different, but extreme.
How important to know the Lord as Saviour, and be ready for the next life.
