Choose
Luke 16:30-31
He said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’
If you are taking part in the Lent goal to read all of Luke, between now and Sunday, read Luke 15-17.
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Today’s passage comes at the end of a vivid story, where a rich man has – too late for him – discovered the consequences of living a life focused on wealth and pleasure. It’s a striking tale, not only for the belated remorse of the rich man, but also for the stinging rebuke issued by Abraham from heaven. And although Luke’s gospel is many centuries old, this story taps directly into our lives right now: every day we make countless choices about how to live and what to value. Throughout these choices the ease with which we can neglect or ignore God is alarming. What excuses are we making when we try to justify our choices? How often do we need reminders to hear and follow God’s word? And given that – unlike those who first heard this tale – we do have the abiding truth of Jesus’ resurrection, what could our reason for neglecting Jesus’ teaching possibly be?
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Patient God, You watch as we neglect Your calling to us and ignore Your teaching, and yet You are still there for us when we cry out to You. Thank You for loving us despite all our shortcomings. Thank You for believing in us despite all the times we’ve turned away from Your word. Help us to hear You more clearly and to follow Your will for our lives. Amen.
