Convinced

Read Luke 16:19-31 (Message)

27-28 "The rich man said, 'Then let me ask you, Father: Send him to the house of my father where I have five brothers, so he can tell them the score and warn them so they won't end up here in this place of torment.'

29"Abraham answered, 'They have Moses and the Prophets to tell them the score. Let them listen to them.'

30"'I know, Father Abraham,' he said, 'but they're not listening. If someone came back to them from the dead, they would change their ways.'

31"Abraham replied, 'If they won't listen to Moses and the Prophets, they're not going to be convinced by someone who rises from the dead.'"

It's one of Jesus' most vibrant parables. He tells his listeners the story of a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who lay outside the gate of a wealthy homeowner.

Eventually, both Lazarus and "the rich man" die, and Jesus' story follows them to their eternal destinations. By the story's end, the rich man pleads with Father Abraham, "let Lazarus warn my five brothers."

In the story's saddest moment, Abraham replies, "they're not going to be convinced by someone who rises from the dead."

There's much to grab our attention in this story. But today, I wonder if we shouldn't consider the fate of those five brothers the rich man seeks to warn.

After all, for right now, we are the folks on this side of eternity.

The Christian message says that someone has come back from the grave --- to save us.

This week's readings have been all about that very same message. Will we dare to believe in the message of salvation, and will it change who we are here and now?

Christian author and pastor Rob Bell has said that "heaven and hell are extensions of the decisions that we make in this world. Our decisions can also help create heaven or hell in the world in which we live."

Somehow the rich man's hardness of heart followed him beyond this life. There's not much that's more pitiable than mourning over lost opportunities.

It's definitely not about "earning" our way to heaven. But the path is about giving our hearts completely to God, who loves us. It's about priorities and decisions.

It's about following in the path of Jesus, our teacher and redeemer, with honesty and openness.

Disciples are those people who seek to help bring the Kingdom of Heaven, through the work of God within us, both in the here and the hereafter.

Prayer: While we are in this world, help us to see those in need around us. May we live in this world in the light of Christ.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be. World without end. Amen.

Scripture for Tomorrow: (no blog) Jeremiah 33:36-42

We'll see you for worship this Sunday at SOTH! 9 and 11 AM with Sunday School for all ages at 10:15!