"The Sting of Death"

"Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling." (Psalms 49:14) Paints a pretty picture, don't you think? It is kind of like the story Jesus told of "The Rich Man and Lazarus", from Luke 16:19; which by the way, I do not believe was a parable, as He shows the sharp contrast between those that have plenty here, yet lack everything but torment after death. That is the clearest definition of "and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning", morning being the time that they wake up in hell and discover that the poor beggar has all the comforts, while they beg for just a drop of water from the beggar's finger tip. I was going to title this post "Ode To The Rich", based upon the elements of a ode all being present; except for the length, there is the strophe, the antistrophe, and the epode; all of which make the classic ode come to life, painting a perfect picture on the glory of death; or in this case, the ugliness of dying with your treasure in the things of earth. The start of this classic ode would incorporate the reality of death, which for the one that counts on the his riches for hope, is nothing but terrible; for not only are they laid to rest without any hope to come, but they are totally consumed by death, forever. Unlike some that believe that after you die you will experience nothing, but your soul will sleep, Jesus paints a totally different picture, as He shows that sleep is not really an option for the dead, but more of a desire, as in, If only I could sleep and wake up when all of this is over! The center of the ode would incorporate something of a different tone, such as in this case, we have "the upright", which are those that they might have had dominion over in this life, yet in the next, those roles change drastically! The upright will be comforted and at peace, while the unrighteous will be tormented and in anguish; apples and oranges; night and day; you get the picture! And then we have the epode, or the conclusion; or in this case, the reality of the sting of death; no more mansions here, no beauty of fame and fortune, only the sting of death, which just keeps on stinging, for ever and ever, from their new dwelling place... "And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; and in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torment, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And 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. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence." (Luke 16:22-26)