Luke 16:19-31 What Helps in Life Fails in Death

What do John D Rockefeller, King Solomon, Henry Ford, and Joseph Stalin all have in common? Two things. First, they are all in the list of the twenty wealthiest individuals who have ever lived. Second, they are all rotting in the ground. The reality is that while money may help you achieve some objectives, it fails to prevent death. So Jesus speaks some sharp words this week, warning that those who live with hearts filled with love for money and void of love for God will receive the only eternity that money can buy— one void of God and filled with torment. Money seems helpful, but it fails in death. Conversely, what often seems of little help in this life will be our only source of help in death. The world scoffs at those who set aside plenteous time to listen to Jesus’ words and eat his holy meal. “Of what practical good are such things?” Only this. Such things enable us, at death, to receive a reward that dwarfs even the best things money can buy.