Too Late Series

Series: Jesus- Son Of Man [#59]

TOO LATE

Luke 16:19-31

Introduction:

Over the past 4 weeks, I’ve had the difficult task of officiating 3 funerals. Each 1 served as a stark reminder that life is unpredictable and incredibly fragile. None of us knows how much time we have left — whether it’s days, months, or decades. That uncertainty should make us pause and think about how we’re living. Are we truly prepared for the moment when our time runs out? The truth is, we often take life for granted, but these moments of loss push us to consider what truly matters- Our relationship with God and how we're living in light of eternity.

Today’s message, "Too Late," challenges us to reflect on the urgency of making the right spiritual choices now, before it’s too late. The parable Jesus tells is a powerful warning- Once your life on Earth ends, the opportunity to change your eternal destiny is gone. It’s easy to put off faith, hope, and repentance, but the reality is that delay can lead to regret. The message is clear- Now is the time to get right with God, because when the curtain finally falls, it’s too late to turn back.

Luke 16:19-23

The rich man had some things that the Church needs.

The rich man had…

1. Vision.

The story of the rich man reveals that what the Church truly needs is vision- An ability to see beyond our immediate surroundings and recognize the real needs around us. The rich man looked up and saw Abraham from afar, with Lazarus comfortably resting beside him, symbolizing comfort and joy in a better place. This vision stirred awareness of what is truly important- The suffering and needs of others. When we lift our eyes, what do we see? Are we noticing the lost, the helpless, the sick, and the hungry, or are we blind to their struggles? Sometimes, even with our physical sight, we remain blind to the spiritual needs around us. Embracing the truth of what the rich man saw, (recognizing suffering and choosing to act) should transform us. It’s a reminder that the fields are ripe for harvest and ignoring this calls into question whether we truly see as we should.

Furthermore, the Church must recognize the importance of laying aside barriers like apathy, arrogance, personal agendas, and attitude. These can cloud our vision and hinder us from truly engaging with others’ needs. The story challenges us to shed these obstacles and develop compassionate, humble hearts that prioritize service over self-interest. The wealthy man saw Lazarus in need but did nothing; this is a sharp warning for us today. We’re called to see beyond ourselves and act with genuine love and concern. Sadly, these lessons are often forgotten by those who profess faith but neglect the urgent calls to serve others. True vision involves not just seeing, but also responding with humility, care, and a readiness to put aside personal pride and distractions.

Ultimately, the story urges the Church to develop a new perspective- One rooted in compassion and action. We need to see with spiritual eyes, recognizing that the needs of others are not just distant problems but opportunities for us to serve and reflect Christ’s love. By laying aside apathy, arrogance, personal agendas, and negative attitudes, we open ourselves to the true purpose of the Church- To be a beacon of hope and a source of practical love. When we shift our focus from ourselves to others, we align more closely with God's heart and become part of the harvest that is already white and ready. This is the true calling- Seeing as God sees and acting accordingly.

Luke 16:24-26

The rich man had…

2. Thirst.

The rich man had everything he could possibly want- Wealth, comfort, and status; but suddenly, he felt an overwhelming sense of thirst. It was a moment of realization that despite his riches, he longed for a genuine connection with God and a deeper spiritual life. His desire to pray and talk to God grew stronger, revealing that material wealth couldn’t satisfy the soul’s true needs.

At the same time, he yearned for mercy and relief from the pain caused by his past choices. Recognizing his mistakes, he cried out for care and forgiveness, but it was too late to change his fate. His situation was now irreversible, and the hope of salvation seemed out of reach. The realization hit him hard- His opportunities for redemption had passed, and he was left longing for the mercy he once ignored.

In his torment, the rich man also craved companionship and comfort. He desperately asked Abraham to send Lazarus to him, hoping for some relief or even a simple gesture like a cool touch of water on his tongue; but now, in his suffering, he only longed for the friendship and compassion that had been missing in his life. His pleas underscored a deep loneliness and a yearning for the comfort that, in the end, he found himself unable to attain.