Lost in the Fire
Often the headlines read “Family lost home in fire.” Because of the cooler weather many are using fireplaces, heaters and other devices to keep their houses warm. Unfortunately these lend to a greater chance of a disastrous fire occurring. A family may lose all the material possessions gained through a lifetime. However, the realization is that human life is also lost in the fire at times.
Luke 16:19-31 describes a sad situation. It tells us about being lost in the fire. The scene unfolds with a rich man dying. No, he did not die in a fire and lose all his earthly goods. He died as a lost person. Therefore he “lifted up his eyes being in torments.” He was lost in the fire. This fire will never die down nor can it be quenched (Mark 9:46). He may have gained (Matthew 16:26) much of the world. He “faired sumptuously” but he lost it all when death came. The rich man (Luke 12:15ff) must have thought that he would never lose his possessions. There is something worse than losing ones material possessions.
The greatest of tragedies is a soul that is lost in the fire. Why is it a tragedy? Because a soul is lost! Why is it a tragedy? It is a waste of a life (Ecc. 12:13). Why is it a tragedy? Jesus died to keep souls from being lost (Matthew 26:28). Why is it such a tragedy? Material things lost in a fire might be replaced but a soul cannot. Why is it a tragedy? The soul is lost for an eternity. There is no burning it up so that it is gone.
Everyone that is in the fire (2 Thes. 1:8-9) will be lost. It is called the “second death” (Revelation 21:8) because of being separated from God.
Terry Claunch