Reflecting on Luke 16:19-31“If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” (Luke 16:31)
In this parable, the rich man is separated from the poor beggar.
He failed to show mercy in this life, so he gets none after death.
He wants to warn his still living brothers about this.
But Abraham says they have enough warning already, in Moses and the Prophets.
Moses and the Prophets (the OT) is very clear on this!
Jesus comes for one purpose: to embody the mercy of God.
He becomes a poor beggar to help all human beggars – all of us.
He leaves His comfort to suffer and die to bring us comfort.
And for this reason, He is fully restored… rising from the dead.
Jesus coming back to life confirms the message of Moses and the Prophets.
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7)
I am rich and in comfort now, I have Moses, the Prophets, and Jesus’s resurrection.
This is all I need to know now that God calls for mercy, not religion.
To be gracious, compassionate, generous, helpful, loving towards all people.
What will it take to convince me to be merciful NOW?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, this is the only criteria for the final judgment: did we freely share the gracious love and mercy of God with others, or did we horde if for ourselves. We have all the warnings that we need. Help me be merciful NOW!
Thy Word is a lamp to my feet leading and guiding me along the Way to do Your will. It is the lamp to help me practicing the Way, to do Your will, to be like Jesus unto others. Grace and truth shallmark my way where the Lord leads me and guides me so that the fruit of the Spirit is always evident by what I say and do.