By: Bart Warren Do not let the ending of the story in Luke 16:19–31 escape you. The rich man was in agony. He begged for relief, but none was forthcoming. Now, he begged for a miracle for his family that he left behind. He was certain that if a messenger from the dead showed up at his father’s house his family would give up selfish ways and repent. He reasoned that his family would be faithful to the Lord and avoid torment if only Lazarus would shock them with a miraculous message from the other side. If only! We know of other cases where someone was raised from the dead, and it did not lead to a 100 percent conversion rate. In fact, there was a different man named Lazarus who was indeed raised from the dead by Jesus (John 11:43–44). The result? Some believed (John 11:45), but others wanted to kill both him and Jesus (John 11:53; 12:9–11). Most obvious and significant of all is the resurrection of Jesus. He conquered the grave and demonstrated His power, majesty and the perfection of God’s plan (Romans 1:4; 1 Peter 1:3; 3:21). Yet, many did not believe even then (Matthew 28:11–15). The signs and wonders themselves do not save; they point to the One who saves. Like the rich man’s family, you and I are not to wait on a miracle before we repent. We have been given the Word of God! We have been called through the Gospel (2 Thessalonians