THIS AND THAT
THIS AND THAT
“Jesus answered and said unto them, the children of this world marry, and are given in marriage: But they which shall be accounted to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection” (Lk. 20:34-37 KJV).
There are obviously two worlds “this” world and “that” world.
“This” world deals with physical things that are temporal. “That” world deals with spiritual things that are eternal. “That” world involves the resurrection!
“This” world passes away. Note! “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world the love of the father is not in him. For everything in the world – the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does – comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desire pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever” (1 Jn 2:15-17).
According to the Scriptures we are attracted to “this” world by three things (1) The craving of our sinful flesh. (2) The desire for things we see. (3) The pride of earthly achievements. Note that these are the very temptations that Jesus faced in the wilderness (Matt. 4:1-11). In order to be delivered from “this” world we have to think differently. We have to change our mind about the things of earth! The Bible word for this is “repentance”. The Greek word for repentance is “metanoeo” which literally means to “change your mind”. Another way of describing repentance is to “renew” our minds. Note! “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will” (Rom. 12:2).
Jesus illustrated the difference between these two worlds with the story of two men and what happened to them after they died. One man was very rich man. We are not told his name. The other man was a beggar who was very poor. His name was Lazarus (Lk. 16:19-31). The fact that we are given the beggar’s name leads many to believe that this was a story of real people and not just a parable. Let us summarize the story:
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First, the rich man. He was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. •
In “this” world the rich man could have virtually everything he craved, everything he saw, and everything he could be proud of.
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We can easily imagine that he was a very powerful man in the community. People would naturally seek his friendship and advice. Most people would admire him and want to be like him.
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At his gate, as Jesus said, was the beggar named Lazarus. Virtually nobody admired him or wanted to be like him. He owned nothing in “this” world. Moreover, he was covered with sores and the dogs came and licked his wounds.
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Lazarus was so poor that he longed to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. •
The fact that the rich man had a “gate” indicates that there was a fence around his property to protect him from people like Lazarus.
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Positioned at his “gate” the rich man obviously saw Lazarus every time he went in and out. •
We can “assume” that Lazarus received some scraps of food but Jesus did not say so.
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The story illustrates that the rich man focused on “this” world and Lazarus focused on “that” world.
BOTH MEN DIED
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In other words, both men left “this” world for “that” world.
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However, these two men went to different places in “that” world.
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Lazarus died and was carried by the angels to the bosom of Abraham. This was a place of honor, comfort. And reward.
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Jesus noted that the rich man died and was “buried”. This leads to the assumption that Lazarus, like so many beggars, died and was not buried.
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While the body of the rich man was buried, his spirit was taken to a place of torment. •
The rich man could see Lazarus and in his agony he cried out for Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool his tongue. Remember the last time the rich man saw Lazarus he was lying in his own filth with the dogs of the street licking his wounds. The rich man was obviously desperate.
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Abraham answered that there was a great chasm between them and it was impossible for Lazarus to help him.
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He then reminded the rich man of his earthly life and the choices he had made. The rich man obviously chose “this” world while Lazarus chose “that” world.
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Lazarus was right!
THE RICH AND THE FAMOUS IN “THIS” WORLD
Have you noticed that the Bible does not focus on “this” world. For example, the heroes of the Bible are not mentioned in secular history, and the heroes of secular history are not mentioned in the Bible. The Bible tells us of the wisdom of Solomon but says nothing about the wisdom of Aristotle or Plato. Secular history tells us about Aristotle and Plato but says nothing about Solomon. There is a dramatic difference between “this” world and “that” world.
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The Bible tells us about a poor woman who put two small coins in the temple treasury (Mk. 12:41-44), but says nothing about King Tut who was one the richest men in history.
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Jesus eagerly spoke to a sinful Samaritan woman who had been married 5 times (Jn. 4:4-42) but said nothing to powerful King Herod when he was on trial for His life (Lk. 23:8-12). •
Jesus called helpless little children to Him because the Kingdom of God belonged to such, but sent the rich young ruler away with sadness (Lk. 18:15-30).
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When a peasant girl named Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus she sang a song pointing out that God had lifted up the humble, filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty (Lk. 1:52,53).
When Samuel anointed David as king he explained: “Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Sam. 16:7). In fact, “The eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those who hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chron. 16:9). Those with a focus on “this” world surround themselves with rich and intelligent people who know how to make money. God has a different focus. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Is. 55:9). God consistently chooses men like Moses who regard disgrace for the sake of Christ to be of greater value than the treasures of Egypt (Heb. 11:26).
LAYING UP TREASURE IN “THAT” WORLD
Jesus said: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:19-21).
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Let us begin with the reminder that God knew you before you were born. His eyes saw your unformed body when you were being knit together in your mother’s womb (Ps. 139:1-16). •
God watched over you while you were growing up and even numbered the hairs on your head. God watches over the sparrows and you are of more value to Him than many sparrows (Matt. 10:28-31).
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When you confess Jesus on earth He promises to confess you before the Father in heaven (Matt. 10:32). In fact, when you repent there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God (Lk. 15:10).
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More important than any earthly achievement is to have your name written in heaven (Lk. 10:20).
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It is not only essential to believe that God is, it is also essential to believe that God will reward you if you diligently seek Him (Heb. 11:6).
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When you are persecuted for Jesus you can expect a great reward in heaven (Matt. 5:11,12). •
When you give alms to the needy you can also expect a reward in heaven (Matt. 6:1-4). •
When you pray in secret you can expect God to reward you openly (Matt. 6:5-8).
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When you fast in secret God knows your heart and will openly reward you in “that” world (Matt. 6:16-18).
DO IN NOW
Solomon said: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it will all your might, for in the grave where you are going, there is neither working, nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom” (Eccl. 9:10).
There is an old illustration about the devil and his angels. They were having a conference to determine the best way to deceive people and send them to hell. After many suggestions one imp said: “Let us tell them that Jesus is the Christ the Son of the Living God and that in order to be saved they must surrender their lives to Him”. “We can’t tell them that”, shouted the devil, “For that is the truth”. “Aye yes!” the imp replied, “But I am not done yet. After telling them this I will whisper in their ear that there is no hurry. They can always receive Christ tomorrow”. According to the story the Devil saw the wisdom of this plan and has been using over and over.
Solomon said there is no “working planning, knowledge, or wisdom” in the grave. When you are dead it is too late to receive Christ.
Therefore if you ever plan to receive Christ as your Lord – DO IT NOW!
(This study was written by Boyce Mouton. No rights are reserved. You are free to use this material in whole or in part for the glorification of Christ and the advancement of His Kingdom)