Ears to Hear Moses and the Prophets

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church, "If for this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied." This is a good reminder and a helpful way to look at our Lord's telling of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. If this life were all that counted, then the rich man clothed in fine clothing and feasting sumptuously is truly one to envy. Likewise, the beggar Lazarus, covered with sores, hoping for at least table scraps, and beset by dogs licking his sores is one to be pitied. But if we believe Scripture, that is Moses and the Prophets, then there is the whole matter of life beyond the grave, for an eternity in a new heavens and earth. With the rich man in the parable suffering in flames for eternity, he is no longer an object of envy. Likewise, with Lazarus in heaven at the bosom of Abraham, he is no longer one to pity. Of course faith is what makes the difference between the two. But unlike what we might expect, having it good in this age is no boon to having faith...