Everyone wants security. Job security. Home security. Protection from enormous medical bills while still having access to quality health care. And it matters where we place our trust for that security.
This isn’t going to be a post that tells you how to get job security when companies are downsizing and pink slips abound. Nor will it compare home surveillance systems.
In fact, you might be surprised to realize this post was inspired by a sermon on the story of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16:19-31.
Earthly Wealth
This familiar story is often used to teach about the need for salvation and prove the existence of Heaven and Hell. In my pastor’s recent sermon (you can listen here), he compared the life, death, and afterlife of the two main characters in this story.
Which of these two men enjoyed security?
Lazarus had no home or health care. In fact, he wasn’t sure where his next meal would come from and often had to fight the dogs for a few scraps. He had none of the wealth we equate to security.
The rich man had plenty to eat, nice clothes to wear, and a great place to live. We don’t know if he even had to work, but it’s clear he doesn’t have a single financial woe.
Lazarus had no wealth here on earth. The rich man’s wealth assured a secure life in this world.
And then they died.
Eternal Security
This life is temporary.
The disparity between these two men continued in death.
Lazarus was carried by angels into a place of comfort. No mention of his funeral. He likely didn’t have one and may have been buried in the potter’s field.
But after that, his troubles were over. Because he had a relationship with Jesus Christ, his eternity was secure. No more worries about where his next meal would come from or where he would sleep.
When the rich man died, he had a fancy funeral. While his family mourned him on earth, he opened his eyes to a place of torment.
How many years of security did that man have on earth? We don’t know, but for every moment after he died, he faced endless torment. And while he was there, he was conscious of every physical sensation. He recalled exactly who he had been and what he’d left behind, and his personality remained unchanged. “Send Lazarus to serve me,” he said (Luke 16:24).
We’re offered the same choice as these men made. Will we pursue earthly wealth so we can feel secure in our present life? Many people work long hours to earn more money. Not all of them are wealthy, but all of them are putting importance on temporary things.
Jesus advises us to store treasure in a heavenly bank account (Matthew 6:19).
That’s what Lazarus did. This doesn’t mean that every person in poverty has chosen to follow the Lord rather than the god of money. Neither poor health nor sad living conditions are required to have eternal life.
I live a comfortable life in a nice home with as much food as I want to eat. I can afford to visit the doctor if I’m sick. As I write this, the hardship in my life is that my husband’s truck is in the shop so I don’t have a car.
I walked over to get groceries today.
First world problems, right?
I appreciated the reminder from the sermon that our most important decisions affect our eternity. I pray you’ve trusted Jesus for your present and eternal security needs.
A Pew Perspective 