LIFE REVERSAL AFTER DEATH
Jesus told about the reversal of life after death depending on how we live in this world.
1. A wealthy person who asked Jesus, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Mk 10:17). Jesus replied: “You are lacking in one thing. Go, sell what you have, and give to [the] poor and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me” (Mk 10:21). So, we can gain treasure in heaven by properly utilizing the God-given wealth of this world.
2. Jesus told his disciples, “But many that are first will be last, and the last will be first” (Mk 10:31). The prominent people in this world like the rich man in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus will be last and people like Lazarus will be first in the life to come Lk 16:25).
3. In Mark 8:35, Jesus said, “Whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and for the sake of the Gospel will save it.”
Jesus presents a reversal of the life of this world and the world to come. If one’s interest is limited to the comforts and achievements of this world like the rich man in the parable of the Rich man and Lazarus, his afterlife will be a tragedy. We are in a temporary world of test and trials. Our permanent home is heaven or hell. We will end up in one of these depending on how we use our worldly resources, our time, and talents.