These recent weeks have really been hot. When I go out to work, even early in the morning, it doesn't take long for me to be covered in sweat. I don't mind working but I could do without the sweat and the heat. A drink of cool water every now and then really helps.

With our days high temperature being around 100 plus degrees, I am reminded of what Jesus taught about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). When the rich man died he found himself in Hades where he lifted up his eyes, being in torment. He cried out to 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 in agony in this flame. It may be hot here during the summer months but these days pale in comparison with the place of torment and agony in the flames in Hades. There it would be incredible miserable with the suffering being enormous.

The scriptures are very clear about the eternity for those who are outside the salvation of Christ. After final judgment, the lost experience continual and unimaginable suffering and torment.

Matthew 22:13- in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Mark 9:44 – it is where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

Matthew 25:46 – it is a place of eternal punishment.

Even though these hot days are uncomfortable, they do provide a very real, although very limited, glimpse of eternity in that place of torment for all those who are not in Christ in this life. Wonder why it gets so hot???? Is this a lesson for us???