"The rich man said, 'Then please, father {Abraham}, send Lazarus to my father's house on earth! I have five brothers. Lazarus could warn my brothers so that they will not come to this place of pain.' But Abraham said, 'They have the law of Moses and the writings of the prophets to read; let them learn from that!' But the rich man said, 'No, father Abraham! But if someone came to them from the dead, then they would change their hearts and lives.' But Abraham said to him, 'No! If your brothers won't listen to Moses and the prophets, then they won't listen to someone that comes back from death.'"
— Luke 16:27-31 NLT
Key Thought
God has provided many avenues for people to know his will. However, if they refuse his truth, or put off obeying that truth, they will not repent even if miraculous things happen in their lives. Someone rising from the dead wouldn't even convince them. And, unfortunately for many, Jesus' rising from the dead didn't convince them. We must have seeking hearts. We must will to do God's will. We must knock on heaven's door seeking heaven's truth. If that is our passion, our heartfelt desire, then repentance is not so hard. However, if we do not seek ... we'll certainly not repent when we are sought!
Today's Prayer
Father, keep my heart soft, pliable, and open to your will. Make me hungry to know you. Make me thirsty for your truth and righteousness. Turn my heart, O Lord, to follow after you always. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
- Isaiah 55:6
- Jeremiah 29:13
- Acts 17:24-31
About This Devotional
What Jesus Did is a one-year devotional guide through the gospels, using one short passage each day and following the Gospel in consecutive order. Each devotional consists of a passage, reflection and a prayer which opens up the day's scripture and shows how it challenges you to live for Jesus.
What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
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