Anguish

Luke 16:23-24 AMPC

And in Hades (the realm of the dead), being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far away, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] And he cried out and said, Father Abraham, have pity and mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.

During this oppressive heat, I said to my nearest and dearest: "I don't want to go to Hell!"

He looked puzzled and asked what I meant.

"The heat", I replied: "... if I can't stand this heat, how could I stand an eternity in a furnace?"

Of course, today, people will laugh at the thought of Hell, As if it is a work of fiction conjured up like something from a Harry Potter movie!

Yet Jesus spoke of its reality more than anyone else.

It is, I am sad to say, the destination of all who reject the one true God and His salvation.

It was never designed for humans, but for the devil and the demon angels.

Matthew 25:41 AMPC

Then He will say to those at His left hand, Begone from Me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels!

Read again the passage in Luke 16 about the rich man and Lazarus.

It is NOT a parable, but an actual account of someone.

In Hell, the fire never stops, there's no air-conditioned car to give a temporary break from the heat, no cool glass of water to drink.

The rich man talks of his anguish in the flames and cries out for help.

This man, who had countless opportunities to be compassionate to Lazarus, but hardened his heart to his plight, now asks for Lazarus to come to his aid! How ironic!

But the time for help and salvation had passed for him.

He had made his decision during his allotted days.

His actions, or lack of action had condemned him forever!

Make sure you run from the reality of Hell into the arms of Salvation in Jesus while there's still time.

Eternity is forever to regret.

O the anguish of a wasted opportunity and a wasted life.