The rich man and Lazarus

 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
“‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
“He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”...Luke 6:19-31

This is not a story about the rich and the poor. Or, that rich people go to hell and poor to heaven. That would be ridiculous. There's much more to this story than I can fathom, I'm sure. What I'll say will be simple, because I'm a simple guy. I'll leave the scholarly unpacking to the scholar.

This is a story told by Jesus. Jesus believes in Hades (Hell). He talked often about it in Scripture. He died and rose again, so we wouldn't have to end up there. So... He thinks it's an important subject.
This is also a story we see playing out today all around us. People living it up with seemingly not a care in the world, just because they have a few dollars in their bank accounts.
Just like the rich man and his brothers, people everywhere aren't listening to the watchmen on the walls. They're being warned continually about what's coming. They had Moses and the prophets to listen to. People today, especially in North America, have no excuse. The Truth is being preached from many pulpits,(not all pulpits, but many), tv & radio stations, internet, blogs, facebook accounts, twitter, etc, etc. But, they don't listen. I'm convinced just as Jesus said that "even if one returned from the dead, they would not listen". They'd just explain it all away with their self-proclaimed intellect. After all, the Bible is just an outdated man-written book anyway, they think.

It's a shame, because there's a world of hurt coming to all those who have rejected Jesus for the temporary fulfillment this world has to offer. Or, they've become steeped in religious activity and gospel of good works, rather than faith in the finished work of the Crucified and Risen Christ. You think the Bible is a man-made book of fairy tales. You think that because you don't believe it, read about it or hear it, you'll have that as an excuse if and when you stand before God. You're wrong, and you're believing the lies of Satan. You'll be held accountable for what you COULD have known...had you the will to listen.

"For He(God) says, 'In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation."... 2 Corinthians 6:2

The time is now! Don't be like the rich man who waited until it was too late. He was more concerned with the gifts, than the Giver of all gifts. This is for all the marbles; there's too much to lose and everything to gain. Time is getting short.

Accept Jesus while He may be found. He doesn't want your money and you won't turn into a weirdo. He wants all of you so you can become all you were meant to be when He created you. You won't be a wimp or turn into a goody two shoes like you've been led to believe. You won't have to wear a robe  and sandals and walk around with a pious look on your face. You won't need to don sackcloth and ashes. You'll just be loved and forgiven and have peace of mind about where you'll spend eternity. You'll have someone to do life with. Someone who will never leave or forsake you.
A simple prayer of "LORD save me!" will suffice if it's genuine, and comes from a repentant heart. He'll know. You won't fool Him. He only wants you and a relationship with you, and for you to glorify Him in all that you do. Give your life to Jesus so He can live and work through you to tell others of His love for them. He doesn't promise life will be easy. You will face rejection just as He did. He does promise to see you through whatever comes your way though. And...the retirement benefits are out of this world, lasting forever! The Bible says so! I believe it!

Today is the day of salvation...Don't put if off!

c.mcgrath