Just a Thought: I have to tell you, I am dying. No, I didn’t just find this out recently, I have known for some time.

But it’s worse.

You’re dying too.

In fact, ever since we were born, we have been dying.

The Bible tells us that ever since Adam disobeyed God in the garden at Eden (Rom.5:12), everyone (including Adam and Eve) has an expiration date. The writer of Hebrews tells us: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,” (Heb 9:27). This is not “new” news but it is often neglected or ignored, for we all would much rather talk about more pleasant things.

The problem is that death is not the end of us, but rather the beginning of eternity for us. And Jesus tells the account of two men who died and as he does, He pulls back the veil of eternity for us to see how it will be for both believers and unbelievers.

Now before you chalk this up to being just another story or parable of Jesus’ I have to caution you; Jesus is not telling a story or giving us a parable here in Luke 16; this is an actual account with three real people, where Jesus uses real names, real places and actual events. And this account is told to remind us that we have a decision to make before death comes (and death is coming for us all).

Here is the decision we must make and the message we must share with others so they too can make the decision: All of eternity will be spent either in God’s presence or cast away from God’s presence in torment for having rejected God’s salvation. The decision everyone must make is simple: Where will you choose to spend eternity? “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up …” (Lk. 16:22-24) How can one ensure they will be in the presence of God for all of eternity right now? “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’.” Jn 14:6 I invite you to call on Jesus right now and ask Him to become your personal savior today!