The last five versus of this story of The Rich Man and Lazarus, clearly points out that God speaks to us through his word. The Rich man thought that if his five brothers were to see Lazarus rise from the dead and warn them about what had happened to their brother, they would be persuaded to change their ways. But Abraham pointed out that if his five brothers would not believe what was written in the Scriptures, they would not believe even if Lazarus (or Jesus) were to rise from the dead. Our relationship with God comes only through an understanding and belief in his written word.
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.
Good post Okie.
I used to think as Indy posted, why does not God recreate the book of Acts in a widespread way and do some "signs and wonders" on a large scale. Everyone believes and we get on to bigger and better things. What Jesus seemed to be saying in verse 31 was that "signs and wonders" are over-rated. Jesus did many up to and including the raising of the dead as did the Apostles in the book of Acts. Many people believed because of them but more did not. All of the Apostles wound up as martyrs despite God's using them to perform miracles.
"Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants". --- William Penn
