What If They Did?

"They are more right than we are."

THE RICH MAN, in the torment of hell, called out to Abraham, across the gulf between them, and addressed him as “father.” Father Abraham. Luke 16:24. This tells us he was a Jew. Much is made of the rich man’s behavior, that he ended up in hell. But that is only a minor point. We can see his utter disregard for the poor man still in his request to Father Abraham. There he is, in torment, as the King James Translation says it, yet he doesn’t ask for forgiveness or for some bigger form of relief. He doesn’t repent.

He doesn’t ask for a rain shower. For a bucket of water. But insults the poor man still, for being in Paradise, by asking for him to be sent into hell to “dip the tip of his finger in water (Luke 16:24).” A wet fingertip will bring him no relief. That’s what we must see. He had no regret for his behavior on the earth nor in hell. No one goes into hell by accident. Only those totally committed to sin. He makes an interesting request after his first one is denied.

No one but Jesus would cross the divide. Jesus makes this known as the story unfolds. But the rich man, in supposed care for his family, then asks Father Abraham, again addressing him as a Jew, to send the poor man back to earth to his father’s house to speak to his brothers. This is no less an insult than the first remark. The poor man didn’t need to be tormented in hell nor suffer on earth again. Listen now to Abraham’s reply:

“They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.” (Luke 16:29)

The rich man protests this. “They won’t listen to that. They need to see someone risen from the dead.” The implication is, of course, of Jesus’ soon death and Resurrection. But, once more, we must hear Father Abraham:

“If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead.” (Luke 16:31)

The Jews are dedicated to covenant, to set holidays, Rosh Hashanah approaches from September 11 to 13. They are dedicated to the Torah, to every jot and tittle (Matthew 5:18). While some of us fling the New Covenant at them, saying they are damned, we fail to see how reverse the image of us in that is. They are more right than we are. Jesus is one of them. HE IS THEM. He thinks, acts, talks, and remembers life as a Jew.

He participated in those holidays, all of which symbolized Him. He fulfilled the prophecies of Him written in it. From Genesis to Malachi, God promises Israel salvation from words we read, taken to heart, then deny the power thereof (2 Timothy 3:5). Yet, in Jesus’ own Voice here, we see the rich man, a Jew, call Abraham “father”, and Abraham say salvation can be found in Moses and the prophets.

We must lay down our criticism and stop calling their covenant “old.” The practices of the Law are passed away, all that was written to do in the temple. Jesus fulfilled the Law (Matthew 5:17). But even if the temple were built again, and an attempt was made to sacrifice, God sees the heart. Theirs, faithful to what G_d has given them. And ours, ignorant of what they actually say and do.

An IDF soldier set himself on fire, tormented by his memories of war, and for two years, suffered depression and immense physical pain, not caring whether he lived or died. What rescued him was the compassion of a Rebbe, who spoke to him in the words of Hashem, G_d, who many, many Jews call Father. It’s stated in their covenant.

The Rebbe: “I’m here for you, Tzaddik. I’m here for you. I will give you strength, and I’m here for anything you need. Whatever you’re going through, whatever you’re feeling, I’ll give you strength, and you will not break. Everything will turn out for the good.”

Where have I heard that before? Romans 8:28.

That soldier called it his turning point. He found strength in worship, and God’s love surrounded him and healed his heart. He now helps others, who suffer as he did.

“They have Moses and the prophets. If they won’t believe these, they will not believe, though one rose from the dead.” But what if they did?


----------
Suzanne D. Williams, Author
www.suzannedwilliams.com
www.feelgoodromance.com