Lazarus’ Hope
Luke 16:19-23
Last week we discussed the narrow and the broad way. To get on the narrow way which leads to life, one must enter by the straight gate which is Jesus Christ, our Lord. There is no other way.
This week, let us look at the hope that Lazarus had. First, let me ask you a question. Why does a runner train, beat their bodies and then race in a marathon? Is it for the water along the way? Certainly not. They run to win or at least finish the race. Thus is the Christian life.
What does a marathon have to do with hope? Let me ask you another question. What is your hope based on? Is it based upon the fact that God will get you through? Is it based upon the fact that God will never allow you to be temped above what you can handle? Is it based upon the fact that God will supply for our needs and give us strength for the day? All of these are true but should not be the bases of our hope.
The hope of the New Testament, the hope that Christ gives is based upon the fact that we have an eternal home in heaven no matter what happens here on earth. This is the hope based upon the finish work of Christ and it written throughout the Scriptures.
In Matthew 26 we are reminded of this truth in the words of Christ himself. He sets in order what we call communion, or Lord’s Supper. He first gives thanks for the bread, breaks it, and gives it to the disciples. This is to commemorate His death.
Then Christ pours the fruit juice, gives thanks, and tells them to drink. This commemorates His blood that was shed for the remission of sins. Apart from the shed blood of Christ, there can be no remission of sin.
The glorious reason for celebration is given in verse 29. Christ gives the promise that He will not eat this bread or drink this cup until He does it in heaven with all who call upon Him as Lord and Savior. This is the unshakable truth in which our hope is placed. All else will fail but this one truth will remain. Without hope for eternity, there can be no hope for today. Do you have this hope?