Sunday, May 20, 2012

May 21, 2012

"He answered, 'Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father's house, 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 16:27-31
This formerly rich man now found himself in hell tormented by the horrors of the place plus tortured by the regrets he had about not taking advantage of the opportunities to prepare his soul for Heaven. He was eternally lost and he knew it.
 
He was suddenly urgent about the eternal destiny of his five brothers who were still living. He wanted to save them from a similar fate.
How is your urgency toward the eternal destiny of people you care about?
 
He became too urgent too late to help the situation. We tend to do the same. Why?
 
What are some things that cause us to become complacent rather than feeling urgent? What should we look for? What attitudes can we resist?
 
This rich man, in his earthly life, had all the necessities and many of the luxuries and he wanted for nothing. Good for him! We should be so lucky!
 
But earthly riches will not get you to heaven. Only those who declare moral and spiritual bankruptcy can find the riches of grace in Christ Jesus! Have you found that gift of eternal life? If you have, are you sharing it with others?
 
If not, what are you waiting for? Time is short and eternity is very long!