Today’s Readings: Josh 9:3‐10:43, Luke 16:19‐17:10, Ps 83:1‐18, Prov 13:4

Luke 16:19-31.  “and in Hades, being in torment… have mercy on me, for I am in anguish in this flame… (after hearing no) I beg you, (Abraham), to send him to send (Lazarus) to my father’s house – for I have five brothers – so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.”

Observations:

• Hell is eternal torment / anguish
• There will be no mercy for those in pain
• If you could hear the cry of hell, it would be- have mercy on us and send someone to warn those that I love.

Several months ago I heard a preacher read this passage and say: “I have a message from hell… Stay out of hell!  Don’t go to hell!  Miss hell!”  I am not a big fan of fire and brimstone preaching.  What motivates a response is seeing that we are saved by grace through faith (see verses 29-31).  However, I do believe that Jesus wanted the world to know that the pain of hell is real.  Jesus died to save us from a punishment more than physical death.

Apply: I want the voices of hell to motivate me to share God’s love today.

What does the story of the rich man and Lazarus prompt in your heart?