Luke 16:27-31

Luke 16:27-31 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 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.’”

As we reach the end of the account of the rich man and the beggar, Lazarus, we see Abraham answer the rich man when he makes his last request that Abraham send Lazarus to his father's house to warn his brothers and keep them from following him to this place of torment. Abraham answers, They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them. When Lazarus disagrees and says they will repent if someone from the dead goes to them, Abraham tells the rich man he is wrong in his thinking because if they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead. Obviously, these words are more than a story to interest Jesus' listeners. He is talking about more than a single event; he is talking about the Jewish people who heard Moses and the prophets and rejected them, and now they are rejecting Jesus and would reject him even when He rose from the dead.

In a broader sense this passage is relevant for us today. Most people in our country have heard about God. They are familiar with the Old Testament, and they have an understanding of Jesus, his birth, death, and resurrection from the grave. Yet people reject the plan of God: salvation from sin, the indwelling Holy Spirit, and eternal life with God. There are many reasons for man's rejection of God. Some of us are like the rich young ruler, so caught up with our worldly possessions and wealth that we do not want to take care of those in need. We fear letting go of what is ours and trusting God to take care of us. Others are like those is the story of the rich man. We are somewhat generous and concerned for others, willing to share the crumbs of our life. Yet we do not turn completely to God even when He tells us of his love through his messengers and even when we realize He gave his only begotten Son that we might have life eternal.

What does it take to turn a stubborn heart to God? We know God loves everyone, and He does not want anyone to perish outside of Christ. Sometimes it takes great trials and deprivation to bring a hardhearted person to the Lord, the loss of power and influence or a sickness that might lead to death. Sometimes a person just has to become so sad, depressed, and frustrated that he or she is willing to think there might be a better way. We also know that the Holy Spirit is calling people and seeking the lost, so God is near if people will open their eyes and ears and hear the Spirit's call to repentance. Repentance must take place before we can know and follow God. Godly repentance prepares our hearts to become servants of our Lord, vessels He can use to reach others.

As long as we walk this earth and have breath, we are not lost to the people we know. There is no gulf separating us at this point except the chasm of sin and darkness. So while we have the ability and the opportunity, we must share the "good news" with those the Holy Spirit has prepared to receive the gospel. In my life the Lord has opened doors and given me chances to share Christ with those in need. Usually the doors were so wide open that I almost fell through them. I remember having the Holy Spirit prompt me to stop and see my grandpa who was very ill. Even though I was going to the store to buy something needed for a dinner my entire extended family was waiting to eat, I knew I should stop. In a few moments of time, I was able to kneel beside my grandpa who previously had not allowed me to speak the name of Jesus to him and lead him to the Lord. As I sang songs of love such as "No One Ever Cared for Me Like Jesus" and "Something Beautiful," his hard heart melted and I could tell him that God understood everything, all his hurt and pain and fear, and wanted to hold him close and meet his needs. Two weeks later, Grandpa went to be with the Lord, and my uncle who held him at his passing said that he was in perfect peace with no fear, ready to go to heaven with his Savior.

Today, you may have an opportunity to reach a lost soul or the chance to share your substance with a needy person. When you see that open door, walk through it with boldness and joy, for the Lord is with you and wants to use you as his hand extended. You have Christ in you the hope of glory and the Holy Spirit is there to give you the right words and the mind of Christ as you minister life to someone who sits in darkness or needs your help in some other way. Cliff and I pray God's blessing and anointing upon you as you willingly take up your cross and follow Jesus into the harvest fields.