They Will Repent

In Luke 16:19-31, we are introduced to a nameless rich man who did not have any mercy or grace for a beggar named Lazarus, who was covered with sores. To fully understand his worthlessness, we are told that dogs licked his sores. Lazarus is nothing but food for dogs. Yet when Lazarus dies, he is not carried away by dogs, he is carried by angels to the side of Abraham. When the Rich man dies, he is buried in Hades, in torment and able to see Lazarus the beggar side by side with Father Abraham far out of the touch or reach from the Rich man’s grasp. He begs Abraham to send Lazarus with water on the tip of his finger so that his tongue might be cooled. Abraham tells the Rich man that no one can reach him for there is a great chasm preventing anyone from crossing to either side.  

So, then the Rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his family so that they would not end up where he is. To this Abraham says they have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them. One last time the Rich man calls out, “If someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.” Father Abraham then explains to the Rich man if they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.

Do you think the family members repented after all? Were the teachings of Moses and the Prophets enough? Is it enough for us or are we waiting for a person like Lazarus to rise from the dead before we accept what the Bible says?  We are loved and saved. Do we need to see angels for us to believe we are loved and saved? 

-Nikki Fiedler