The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is arguably one of the most familiar stories Jesus told (Luke 16:19-31). And, like every other parable Jesus told, it, too, has a powerful punch line. After a first reading of this story, most people tend to get lost in speculating about the description of paradise and hell. While the reality of reward and loss are imbedded in the story, the center of the story is about hearing the gospel. Whether you take it as a hypothetical story about what the afterlife will be like for those who accept and reject the gospel, or an actually story that occurred on the “other side” of this life, one thing is clear: the rich man wanted someone to go back to his family and tell them to seriously consider the gospel message. He said, “I have five brothers and I don’t want them to end up like me.” Abraham‘s response is interesting. He understands the rich man’s concern, but he rejects the idea that a “resurrected persuader” would be any more effective than what they already have at their disposal, namely, the Word of God. “If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead” (Luke 16:31). Hmmm?
Have you ever wished God would go miracle crazy for about a 30 day stretch? We might envision God doing such things as restoring sight to the blind, healing diseases of every kind and doing scheduled broadcasts of resurrections at a few cemeteries. Can you imagine the news coverage? As tantalizing as it sounds, the truth is, Abraham is probably right. We would commercialize it. Sensationalize it. Media moguls would want an exclusive with the people who “got raised.” We would riddle them with questions about everything from portholes to who they saw to when their book will be published. But, in the process of hearing and seeing what God had done we would most likely not witness mass conversions in the days that followed. Abraham said, “If they want God – really want Him – then they can turn to His word.”
Jesus decried his generation as a wicked generation because they were “sign hungry” (Matthew 12:29). Give us “one more” and we’ll seriously consider your message! As Jesus hung from the cross certain ones said, “Come down from the cross that we may see and believe.” Just give us one more! Not much has changed. And, that’s why we need to read this parable every so often. It underscores two important truths: one about human nature and the other about the power and completeness of the Word of God.
The rich man got it “after the fact”. He never accepted the reality and inevitability of death. Did he ever think about ultimate things? He lived like a god until he met the living God. He understood too late. I’ve often wondered how many times he was in conversations or overhead conversations or had exposure of some kind to “a word about the Lord”?
We need the punch line of this parable. It cuts through the noise, distractions and seductions that blind and deafen us to the call of God through the gospel. It reminds us that we are not the masters of the universe. But, we are the masters of our destiny as we pay attention to what God has done in Jesus Christ unto our blessing. He preached it. He wrote it down for us. And, perhaps he has put someone into our life who has been trying to lay the blessed news of salvation into our ears. If we love ourselves then we will listen to God’s wisdom in Jesus Christ. And, as to whether God might go on another miracle crusade, the magnificent truth before us every day is that we encounter the most incredible supernatural moment a person can experience in this life every time the good news about Jesus Christ lands at our feet. For it is through the gospel that the living God himself shoulder taps us and says “this is the greatest miracle the world has ever seen. What do you think about it?”
Father, give us ears to hear with. Nothing else matters until we can hear as we should hear. Give us the calmness of spirit, the serenity of heart and the humility to see our utter need of your grace and mercy in your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank you for this indescribable gift. Amen.
Randy Daugherty
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