 |
|
| Volume 26 Number 2 February 2024 |
Page 12 |
|
|
| Volume 26 Number 2 February 2024 |
Page 12 |
Arlis Richardson
The account in Luke 16:19-31 is about a rich man and Lazarus.
So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” But Abraham said, “Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.” Then he said, “I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.” Abraham said to him, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.” And he said, “No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” But he said to him, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.” (Luke 16:22-31 NKJV)
Someone has appeared from the grave in the person of Jesus Christ. People still do not listen to Him or the message of His inspired apostles. Sadly, those will be tormented in Hell unless they repent before this life is over. On the other hand, some have read and accepted the teaching of these Holy Spirit inspired apostles and are looking forward to that great Judgment Day. Like the apostle Paul, they can say, “Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge will give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who love His appearing” (2 Timothy 4:8). “…What manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God…Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earthin which righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:11-13). Jesus said, “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work” (Revelation 22:12) and “…‘Surely I am coming quickly’…” (Revelation 22:20). The apostle John – in harmony with the apostle Peter in 2 Peter 3 – said, “…Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20).
[Editor’s Note: One did come back from the dead – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! That fact has not altered the trajectory toward eternity for the majority of mankind since most people who are aware of the Bible (especially the New Testament) and of the Messiah refuse or neglect to obey (John 12:48; Hebrews 5:9; 1 Peter 2:8). “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those whodo not obey the gospelof God?” (1 Peter 4:17). Jesus is coming back “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence ofthe Lord and from the glory of His power” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). We certainly do not want to be in that number! The word “number” appears multiple times in the New Testament, often referring to Christians, and that’s the number in which we want to be at the Second Coming. ~ Louis Rushmore, Editor]
