Desperation Can Lead To Innovation
Thoughts on Sunday, May 14th Sermon
Yesterday, we shared a sermon titled, "Even If Someone Rises From The Dead." The focus of the sermon was on the conclusion of the well-known Rich Man and Lazarus parable from Luke 16. In the final verse of that text (vs 31), Abraham tells the rich man that "(i)f they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead." For me, this is quite a shocking statement. Certainly, one would think a bodily resurrection would suffice to incline people towards belief, but not according to Father Abraham in this classis parable of Jesus.
What did Jesus mean by these words? Two verses prior to this (vs 29), Abraham had indicated that Moses and the prophets (the Scriptures) should be enough to cause hearers to believe. It seems that Jesus is saying that the heart of the hearer, rather than externalities, is of primary importance in determining faith. This leads me to the main point of this sermon follow-up.
Our heart condition at any given point in our life will determine whether or not we are able to hear from God. Sometimes, we are not desperate enough to hear. If you are in need of a personally innovative idea (i.e. a new direction), then resolve to cultivate your level of hunger, or desperation. Christ's promise is that those who hunger and thirst for righteousness are blessed, and that "they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6)
Keep moving forward my friend.
