Remember

by Terry Wane Benton

To me, one of the most sobering thoughts was when Jesus talked about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19f).

Both had lived their lives and died. One went to a place of comfort, and the other to a place of torment. The rich man wanted simple comfort but could not get it. Abraham told him to remember his lifetime, choices, and opportunities.

Perhaps the most tormenting thing that will haunt people forever is how close they came to the Bible and to Christians who were trying to help them know the truth. Perhaps some will remember sermons they heard and invitations extended. They will remember how they dismissed it and chose to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin instead of uniting with Christ and becoming His disciple.

Imagine the rich man remembering that he had "Moses and the Prophets" but letting that precious book collect dust.

Imagine people remembering forever how close they came to "so great salvation" (Hebrews 2:1-4) and remembering the many unimportant things that occupied their attention as they neglected the things that mattered regarding their eternal destiny.

Imagine people remembering even this post and thinking, "I need to get my life straight with the Lord," and then putting it aside. Eternity is just a heartbeat away.

Can we study together and avoid this scene on the other side?