In death, the rich man found himself in Torment. Immediately, he appealed to those in Paradise for relief. Abraham replied that no form of relief could either be sent or collected. So, the tortured rich man turned his attention to his living loved ones. But Abraham told him that they could avoid Torment if they but believe the Scriptures. Now desperate, the rich man insists that a resurrected man would convince his five brothers to fear God. Finally, Abraham informed him that people who dismiss the Scriptures will dismiss the resurrected Christ too. (Luke 16:19-31 Retold)
When considering what is best for loved ones, people instinctively think in terms of health, wealth, and happiness.
Undoubtedly, these are good things to wish upon a soul. However, our rich man above had all these but found himself separated from eternal health, wealth, and happiness.
There is no reason to doubt that he loved and cared deeply for those within his gates. Surely, such men have great talents who invest in the progress of their communities.
But Jesus’ analysis of the situation is diametrically opposed to that. As far as Jesus was concerned, the rich man was accountable for the beggar at his gate. After all, everything is from God, and those who ‘have’ are expected to share with those who ‘have not—and can expect to be judged for it.
The five brothers were expected to read, believe, and obey the Old Testament Scriptures.
And even though they are only Part One of the Greatest Story Ever Told, in them, they could have known how to draw near to God—unto eternity!
Therein they were told:
“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might” (Deut.6:5).
This indeed is the best we can want for each other; because love for God leads all, then and now, to the resurrected Christ!
John Staiger
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