Daily Devotionals

Get in the Game Week 1: Tuesday

Then the rich man said, "Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father's home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don't end up in this place of torment." Luke 16:27-28

If you have been around a young child for any significant amount of time, you have likely been asked one particular question rapidly and often: "Why?" While it can be frustrating to be asked "Why?" so many times, "Why?" is a good question. You see, understanding "why" brings clarity and purpose. When we know the "why" behind the instruction we are given, we are more motivated to obey the instruction. We read yesterday in our devotions together that we have a mission as followers of Christ: to go and make disciples. The question we are answering today is, "Why?" Why is this command from Jesus vital to obey?

The first reason we must obey the command from Jesus to make disciples is simply because Jesus gave the command. Jesus is God. He is the one with all authority and power (Matthew 28:18). Because He is God and has all power, He deserves our obedience. There is a second reason why this command from Jesus requires our obedience. This command requires our obedience because people's eternity is at stake. Heaven and hell are both actual realities, and because of this, we must share the good news of Jesus with everyone we encounter. Jesus illustrated this truth when He told a parable in Luke 16. In this parable, a poor man and a rich man both died. The poor man was right with God and was in heaven. The rich man was not right with God and was in hell. In this parable, the rich man could see Lazarus from heaven, and he begged for Lazarus to be sent to his family to warn them to get right with God so that they would not experience the agony of hell. He said, "At least send him to my father's home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don't end up in this place of torment" (verses 27-28). Unfortunately, it was too late for Lazarus or the rich man to go to warn their families to get right with God. What a heartbreaking realization for this rich man.

It may have been too late for the rich man and Lazarus in the parable we studied, but it is not too late for us to share our faith and encourage our friends, family, loved ones, and acquaintances to get right with God, but it is not too late for us. Our time on this earth is short, and the eternity of the people around us is at stake. While we are here on this earth, it is our calling and privilege to make Christ known and invite everyone we encounter to experience the hope of Christ. What are you waiting for? The time is now to follow the command from Jesus to make disciples. Let's make the most of our time here on this earth. Eternity hangs in the balance.

Moving toward action

Who do you know who does not have a relationship with Christ and needs His hope today? Spend the next few minutes praying for them. Pray that God would work in their heart so that they would come to know Him. Ask God for opportunities to share your faith with them and that they would be receptive to those conversations. Pray that God would capture their hearts and that they would find the hope that He has to offer.

Going Deeper

Going Deeper - Luke 16:19-31

"Jesus said, "There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man's table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.

22 "Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.

24 "The rich man shouted, 'Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.'

25 "But Abraham said to him, 'Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.'

27 "Then the rich man said, 'Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father's home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don't end up in this place of torment.'

29 "But Abraham said, 'Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.'

30 "The rich man replied, 'No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.'

31 "But Abraham said, 'If they won't listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.'"