Luke 16:27-31

I am reminded of an expression my Mom used to say: “He who is convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” I think that is what Abraham was trying to get across to the rich man in hell regarding his close relations. If Moses and the Prophets weren’t registering with this dude’s brothers, it was doubtful they would listen to someone who rose from the dead – even if it was perhaps more startling. The Scripture is God’s normal way of making known His mind to us. Matthew Henry states:

“The same strength of corruption that breaks through the convictions of the written word would certainly triumph over those by a witness from the dead.”

“Strength of corruption” we must never underestimate! We can talk ourselves into going down any wrong path and subsequently find others to condone our poor behavior. Big mistake here! This is why it is so necessary to have a firm grasp of God’s Word. He never goes contrary to His revealed will. Psalm 119 states:

49 Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope. 50 My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. 51 The arrogant mock me without restraint, but I do not turn from your law. 52 I remember your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them. Psalms 119:49-52 (NIV)

89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness continues through all generations; you established the earth, and it endures. 91 Your laws endure to this day, for all things serve you. Psalms 119:89-91 (NIV)

The rich man in Jesus’ parable today symbolized the Pharisees who were always looking for the demonstration of the miraculous. They were after signs so clear that people would be compelled to believe. Yet the reality was if they refused the Scriptures they would not believe the miracles either – no matter how great the sign was. In fact, Jesus did raise Lazarus (same name but another man) from the dead later and the result of that miracle was that they plotted more earnestly to kill both Jesus and Lazarus! We find in John:

38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 "Take away the stone," he said. "But, Lord," said Martha, the sister of the dead man, "by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days." 40 Then Jesus said, "Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" 41 So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me. 42 I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me." 43 When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 44 The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." John 11:38-44 (NIV)

Check out the reaction of the crowds:

45 Therefore many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, put their faith in him. 46 But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. "What are we accomplishing?" they asked. "Here is this man performing many miraculous signs. 48 If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation." John 11:45-48 (NIV)

53 So from that day on they plotted to take his life. John 11:53 (NIV)

Better to just kill Him than to believe in Him; better to silence Him than to believe and be saved - now that makes a lot of sense does it not??? Sadly, many people will go to all extremes not to change their ways – this has always been true. May this never be spoken of us! A church sign blazes: “Eternity is a long time to think of what you should have done.”

“Heaven - don’t miss it for the world.”