Luke 16.31
Jesus told of a rich man who enjoyed much in this life, and of a poor man named Lazarus who had nothing. Everything the rich man was, Lazarus was not, for he was poor, hungry, and diseased. As their place in life was far different, when they died their place in eternity was also greatly different. Lazarus was carried to Abraham’s bosom, likely referring to a place of honor in heaven, and the rich man found himself in the flaming fires of hell, tormented with no relief. Thinking himself to yet have authority, he asked for Lazarus to come and sooth his misery with just a drop of water. The Lord denied his request. Abraham reminded him of his lifetime comfort and disdain for others, and that he had received his just reward; The separation was definite; it was final. The Lord vividly described this scene for our benefit. Having received judgment, the sad reality is there is no hope following judgement; the torment is eternal, unchangeable.
The rich man made a further plea, for Lazarus to warn his brothers of their inevitable plight. Abraham responded, If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead (16.31). And Jesus did rise! Though pronounced dead and placed in a tomb, He rose from that encasement on the third day. Many knew what had happened but remained hardened in their hearts; His resurrection meant nothing to them. The Scriptures clearly point to Jesus and the redemptive plan of God, and it gives account of who He was and is, and now ascended to the Father’s right hand, interceding for all believers. We are called to faith. Having been given the Word of God, the truth of His redemptive love, the hope of eternal salvation, we are to believe. As Lazarus, we have nothing in ourselves that warrants God’s blessing or can be done to earn salvation. This is the wonder of God’s grace; deserving nothing, yet through Christ we have true life, hope, and eternal life.
Redeemed by God’s grace – we have much to be thankful for –
Terry
My Morning Desk 