"'He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ””
What a parable Jesus told here in Luke 16. It is convicting to see how this man (the rich man) is wealthy and has many clothes and delightful food. So do many of us. And if we don't get what we want, aren't we usually grumpy? Aren't we usually upset?
The poor man, Lazarus' life is different. He doesn't have much in this life, so it seems from the outside. However, on the inside, his heart must have been pure and upright.
Just think: many people can have an appearance of righteousness, but on the inside, they are totally empty. Or, they can have a life that doesn't look like much, but on the inside, the Father is within them, helping them through each trial they face, preparing them for His Kingdom.
If we are friends of this world, the rich man's life would be welcoming and we would have many friends because of our wealth.
If we are friends of God, most likely, we are not going to be very popular.
What path will we choose? Lazarus's life was not easy, rather, it was difficult! Are we ready to serve God, no matter what the cost?
Another thing I noticed was the last verse when Father Abraham says that even if someone rises from the dead they will not believe. It is true. Jesus rose from the dead, and many still do not believe. Why would they if their life is so pleasant right now? Why would they if they receive everything they want when they want? Why would they want to even consider thinking about the afterlife? Their fulfillment is in the here and now.
Yet—in God's own time, He can lead them to repentance— if they choose to follow Him.
Let us be aware of these trials and know that we must undergo suffering for a little while, yet it is not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us! Praise God for His marvelous works!
The poor man, Lazarus' life is different. He doesn't have much in this life, so it seems from the outside. However, on the inside, his heart must have been pure and upright.
Just think: many people can have an appearance of righteousness, but on the inside, they are totally empty. Or, they can have a life that doesn't look like much, but on the inside, the Father is within them, helping them through each trial they face, preparing them for His Kingdom.
If we are friends of this world, the rich man's life would be welcoming and we would have many friends because of our wealth.
If we are friends of God, most likely, we are not going to be very popular.
What path will we choose? Lazarus's life was not easy, rather, it was difficult! Are we ready to serve God, no matter what the cost?
Another thing I noticed was the last verse when Father Abraham says that even if someone rises from the dead they will not believe. It is true. Jesus rose from the dead, and many still do not believe. Why would they if their life is so pleasant right now? Why would they if they receive everything they want when they want? Why would they want to even consider thinking about the afterlife? Their fulfillment is in the here and now.
Yet—in God's own time, He can lead them to repentance— if they choose to follow Him.
Let us be aware of these trials and know that we must undergo suffering for a little while, yet it is not worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us! Praise God for His marvelous works!
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