The rich man died and was buried.
“In hell, being in torment, he lifted his eyes and saw Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom.”

Here begins the eternal torment of a man who, while on earth, splendidly enjoyed his fortune. He had the world at his feet; he had servants for everything, even to wipe his bottom.

Soon after death knocked at his door, he found himself in a place of torment and total despair. This is something that has never been seen by human eyes. Screams of pain and the anguish of the souls around him made the environment even worse. It was hell.

Billions of souls, all perfectly aware of what is going on. But no one, not one single soul is able to ease the others’ torment.

“Then he cried and said: Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame.” Luke 16.23,24.

For some reason, the rich man was only able to see and recognize Abraham and Lazarus. He was also able to speak to them and cry out for help. Because of Abraham’s story of faith and close relationship with God, the rich man thought he could somehow help him. But, he couldn’t help him. Neither Abraham, nor even God Himself, could reverse that situation, let alone help him with such a small detail as wetting his finger in water and cooling off his tongue.

While on earth, his heart was proud and his attitude was arrogant. It served him no good to be humble while in the torments of hell.
He was hopelessly lost.

*Illustrative image