He was a rich man. One moment he was clothed in purple and fine linen, faring sumptuously every day, enjoying all that life could give. But suddenly, in one moment, all was changed!
Death came, and afterward, what then? Suddenly the royal robes and kingly fare were gone. His portion was changed from heights of luxury to the depths of misery in hell, where worlds could not purchase one drop of cold water.
"The rich man... died, and was buried." His funeral, as his life, may have been a display, but, "in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments." Luke 16:22, 2322And 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; 23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. (Luke 16:22‑23).
Long before the ceremony even began, the rich man's eyes were opened to his awful doom. His state was fixed now for eternity, and he knew it. He had closed his eyes and heart against the truth in time; but he can close them no more forever in eternity.
Suddenly, another change, and what a change for poor Lazarus! A poor beggar, loathsome, in poverty, in suffering, and friendless. "The dogs came and licked his sores." Yet God took note of him.
A change came; suddenly, the beggar died. There is nothing about his funeral. But, glorious portion, he "was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom" into the place of blessing.
May we ask, where will your place be? your future? your eternity? Is Christ your happy choice now? your loved portion? your rest? your confidence? He died for sinners such as the rich man and Lazarus—such as you and me—but only those who put their trust in Him are saved.