16th Sunday after Pentecost

“We are Beggars Before God”

Why did the rich man go to hell? Because he thought the word of God was not enough. He

could not depend on what the Lord had spoken in the scriptures, and neither would his

brothers. There is a simple teaching for us when Abraham says, “they have Moses and the

Prophets.” The Gospel, the promise of salvation through the Messiah was present in the Old

Testament! The Old Testament, the Law and the Prophets, contain both Law and Gospel. The

scriptures are sufficient for the rich man’s brothers, just as the word of God is sufficient for us

today. The rich man claims that dependence on God’s word is not enough to stop his

brothers from joining him in hell. He desires a sign to be sent- someone being raised from

the dead that will do it! Abraham quickly replies, even with that they will still not believe.

Alleluia! Christ is Risen. He is Risen indeed! Alleluia.