Luke 16:19-31 (NRSV)
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Verse 19"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. Verse 20And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, Verse 21who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. Verse 22The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. Verse 23In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. Verse 24He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' Verse 25But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Verse 26Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' Verse 27He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house- Verse 28for I have five brothers-that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Verse 29Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' Verse 30He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' Verse 31He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
Devotion
In the second half of this parable Jesus reiterates the importance of listening to his teachings and the gospel before the day of grace ends.
The rich man ignored Moses and the prophets concerning the grace of God in his lifetime. After his death, he was tormented by regret that he had missed out on the true riches as a gift through the death and resurrection Jesus Christ.
He wanted Lazarus to return and warn his brothers lest they also suffer this doom. Jesus spoke of his own resurrection when he said, "If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead."
It is our responsibility as the living disciples of Jesus to go into all the world and preach the good news of forgiveness and the promise of power for a new life in Christ's name!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, let me seek you while you may be found, and call upon you when you are near, for with you there is plenteous redemption and abundant pardon. Amen.