Why go where others don’t want you?
Luke 16:19-31 [19] There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: [20] And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, [21] And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. [22] And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; [23] And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. [24] And 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. [25] But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. [26] And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. [27] Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: [28] For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. [29] Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. [30] And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. [31] And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
If you are a student of the Bible you know this passage of scripture, and have heard it preached on many times. However, maybe you are reading this and don’t regularly attend church or don’t know all these things. This isn’t “just” a story. This talks about true events that has taken place. We see here that this rich man has not trusted in God and wakes up in hell. What I want to focus on is how this rich man begs Abraham to send Lazarus to his brethren to testify to them so that they don’t come to this “place of torment” as he calls it. My friend, the people of hell don’t want you there. They know of all the torments of hell and they know that you don’t want to be there, and they don’t want to see you there. However, if you don’t trust Christ as your Savior you will end up there: Revelation 20:14-15 [14] And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. [15] And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Instead of being cast into hell you could trust Him and spend eternity in a place where even the very God of heaven rejoices when one is saved: Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. God sent His best to earth so that you could be saved, so why decide to turn Him away and go to hell where they don’t want you? Lost friend: If you don’t know how to be saved there are many avenues on this site where you can reach out to our church and someone can help you!! Trust Him today before it’s too late!!
Christian friend: Even if you didn’t think this devotion was for you, hopefully, you have found yourself here at the end, and I want to ask you this question. Are you sharing His Word with those that are lost and letting them know that you desire to spend eternity with them in heaven?
May God bless you today! Bro. Josh Richardson
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