The world was in turmoil in the late 1930’s. A ruthless conqueror was rising up in Germany, taking control of neighboring countries. People were being taken captive for minor errors against this authority.
No one could speak out against the tyranny of this regime, which had forced its way into power. Some had seen the coming wave of destruction, plundering, and persecution. They fled.
A group of four British citizens went on a mission to help the down-trodden. The moment they landed their small plane within enemy borders, they were herded into an office building adjacent to the runway. A time bomb was secretly attached beneath the fuselage of their small plane.
Taking off for home, they hadn’t an inkling of the danger below their feet. Any hope of rescue was too late. Just before arriving home, they were suddenly launched into eternity.
As tragic as this event may seem, there is a similar tragedy occurring around the world right now. The consequences will also be final. Late will be too late.
Jesus tells us a story that we might entitle, “When Is Late, Too Late?” It’s in your Bible in Luke 16:19-31. It’s a parable of two people. Here we have “a certain rich man” and “a certain poor man named Lazarus.”
Sure, that was a common name in Jesus’ day, but who was this rich man? No one knows. We know some things about him, but nothing to identify the man specifically. The rich man must have been Jewish, because he calls out to ‘Father Abraham’ (vs. 24).
The rich man is told by Abraham that his five brothers have Moses and the prophets to warn them about the place of torment in which the rich man has found himself in death (vs. 27-29). It’s implied that they were all taught right, but gave up on Godliness for a life of worldliness. They need to repent (vs. 30).
They were late in accepting this imperative teaching from God (vs. 31). They will find only torment in death. They’re like people today who hear the saving message about Jesus, but choose to love this world more. They too must repent. It’s too late for the rich man’s brothers.