Scripture Reflections

“If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.” (Lk. 16:31)
 
Jesus’ conclusion to the parable of the rich man and Lazarus is a bit strange—or so it might seem. If people could see God raise a dead person, wouldn’t they immediately believe in God? Jesus’ answer to that question is, “Only if they already listen to and obey the word of God.” In other words, miracles don’t convince people who have rejected God’s word; they only convince those who are already followers.
 
A psychologist could probably offer a theory about why we see in accord with what we believe and explain away things that don’t fit our preconceived assumptions and beliefs. As interesting as the theory of the mind might be, it is almost beside the point. Jesus isn’t offering a theory on the way the mind works; instead, he is making a statement about our relationship with God:
 
If you aren’t willing to obey God, then you won’t see what he is doing in this world.
 
In other words, the only way to have eyes that can see God is to bend the knee to him, first.
 
There is no promise implied that a faithful follower will always see miraculous activity. God often hides himself (especially as we grow more mature in the faith) to draw us onward in pursuit of him. He plays “hide and seek” with us in love, so that we might search for him. Jesus’ point isn’t to promise miracles, but instead simply that listening is the first step with God, and asking for God to prove himself without first obeying him is futile.
 
Each of us has places where we resist the voice of God. Grumbling, gossip, dishonesty, lust, despair, sloth, malice, hatred—none of us is immune to temptation, and all of us have places where we resist God’s voice. But Jesus’ statement should awaken our desire to listen to God with renewed zeal and to pray for the help of the Spirit in obedience. If we aren’t willing to follow, we shouldn’t expect to see God’s activity around us.
 
In Christ,
 
Steven+