The Heart of a Missionary
What Motivates Us? – Part 2

Scripture Reading:  Luke 16:19-26

Key Verse: Luke 16:23

In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.

Another fact about hell is given by Jesus in His story of Lazarus and the rich man which is: The inhabitants maintain their memory.  The rich man remembered his life and opportunities on earth.  He remembered his family and did not want them to end up in the same place of torment that he had (vs. 28).  He pleaded that someone go to them and warn them of the options after death.  Jesus simply answered that they had “Moses and the prophets” to teach them.  The rich man persisted that if someone from “the other side” would go to them, surely they would listen.  This makes sense to us humans doesn’t it?  But Jesus understood human nature better than we understand ourselves.  He declared this truth: If they won’t listen to the “written word of God’ they will not be “convinced even if someone rises from the dead” (vs. 31).

            Why would Jesus be so sure of that fact?  Because He was going to rise from the dead Himself.  He knew that many—most—would still not believe and follow Him!  Amazing, someone died and was resurrected but still can’t change the hearts of sinful people.  Why must we accept our mission to reach our world with the Gospel?  There is a hell and it lasts for eternity.  People need the Lord.  Let’s be faithful missionaries.

Father, please remind me often of the consequences of unbelief.  May my heart break over the lost souls of people.  In Jesus’ name, amen.