Grief

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PERSPECTIVE FROM HELL


“There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day,” Jesus allowed. “At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table” (Luke 16:19-21). The two are set forth by way of contrast. While not explicitly stated, the implication is that the indulgent rich man disregarded the plight of his desperate counterpart.
The time came when the beggar died, and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. “In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus at his side. So he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire’”
“Son,” Abraham replied, “remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.” At this, the man asked that his brothers be warned, so that they would not join him. “They have Moses and the Prophets,” the patriarch responded, “let them hear them.”
Fast forward. My wife and I lived for four years overlooking the Hinnom Valley in Jerusalem, Israel, which is thought to provide the imagery for hell. Since trash was continually deposited and burned in that location. After a full day at my office, I would occasionally descend into the valley to look for potsherds, some of which dated from the time of Jesus. It is with this in mind that my primary impression of hell is that it accommodates what no longer serves the purpose for which it was intended. In creedal terms, to glorify God and enjoy him forever.
Thus are we reminded of the importance of cultivating a relationship with God, and one another. As set over against the accumulation of material possessions. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and dust destroy, and thieves break in and steal,” Jesus admonished. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and dust 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).
Several related thoughts likewise come to mind. C. S. Lewis observed that hell serves as the last place a loving God provides for those who will accept nothing better. Thus devoid of God’s presence, and enhanced relationships with others.
Lewis also portrays persons constantly moving away from one another, seemingly as a result of alienation. I suppose that he means us to understand this in a figurative sense, as typical of the imagery associated with hell.
He also imagines that on one occasion certain of those residing in hell decide to visit heaven, since they have heard that it was a desirable place. However, upon arrival, they began to complain. Consequently, they lost no time in returning to their residence, because it seemed more compatible. Fiction? Yes, indeed; but there is sometimes more truth in fiction than that which is set forth as fact.
Speculating further, there appears to be a lingering regret for having failed to negotiate life faithfully. However, regret does not necessarily imply repentance. Conversely, it cautions against procrastination.
Elsewhere, it is said that there will be darkness, weeping, and the gnashing of teeth (cf. Matt. 8:13). Darkness in a figurative sense may imply a lack of understanding, opposition to God’s will, distress, and so on. As such, with pronounced negative implications.
While weeping suggests sorrow. Having failed to respond to God’s gracious initiatives, thus failing in our endeavors, and suffering the consequences. In this regard, a text from Dante’s Inferno observes: “There is no greater sorrow than to recall happiness in times of misery.”
Whereas the gnashing of teeth is usually expressive of anger. Perhaps anger with God, others, or even oneself. Recalling the sage saying, “If convinced against one’s will, then unconvinced still.” Meanwhile, we are encouraged to believe that it is not the severity of God’s judgement but its justice that should concern us. What one sows, he or she reaps. Whether for better or for worse. All things considered, we would gather that it is far better to serve in heaven than to reign in hell. Or so it would seem from the perspective of hell.

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