Missions, Eternity, and Urgency

Luke 16:22–31

People often ask, “Will I recognize my family in heaven?”
In 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20, Paul rejoices in knowing he will see the precious believers of Thessalonica again in God’s presence. And in Matthew 8:11, Jesus describes a feast in heaven with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—suggesting that individuals retain their identity and are recognized in eternity.

In Luke 16, we see the angels carry Lazarus to heaven while the rich man is sent to Hades, a place of torment. In his agony, he pleads for Lazarus to be sent back to warn his five brothers—desperate to save them from the same fiery fate.

As a nurse, I’ve seen the excruciating pain of burn victims—many placed in medically induced comas. Even a simple oven burn lingers painfully for days. So it’s no wonder the rich man, enduring far worse, wanted to warn his family.

But here’s a sobering thought: If we truly will recognize our loved ones in heaven, what will it feel like to notice someone missing?
Heaven is without sorrow, so perhaps God shields us from that realization. But now, while we have the gift of time, we must let the weight of that possibility move us to action. Jesus told this story for a reason: to impress upon us the reality of eternal separation from God—and to call us to do something about it.

If your child stepped into oncoming traffic, wouldn’t you shout?
If they were drowning, wouldn’t you leap to save them?

And yet, we often hesitate to share Christ with those around us—or support those reaching the unreached. When we help others come to faith, we aren’t just rescuing them from pain or death. We are saving them for eternity.
Not for 100 years.
Not for 1,000 years.
Forever.

When it comes to missions, every believer has a role to play.
Can’t go yourself? Faithfully support someone who can.
Can’t give much financially? Faithfully pray—by name and by need—for those who are called.
None of it is wasted. All of it matters.

There is a time when it will be too late.
But today, we still have time. Let’s use it.

Let’s stand up for missions—here at home, for our families, friends, neighbors, and for those around the world whom Christ died for.

What a joy it will be to reach Heaven one day… and meet those we helped get there.