Two similar questions ask what the dead know about the present: “Are the dead aware of earthly events?” and “Are the saints watching our lives?” We on this side of the threshold of death can only know for certain what is revealed in God’s inspired Word (Deuteronomy 29:29). Everything else is merely speculation.
There is no biblical evidence of which I am aware that indicates that departed spirits are aware of contemporary events, people, etc. in real time. The rich man who died and found himself tormented after death gave no indication in his conversation with Abraham that he was aware of ongoing events in the lives of anyone still living, though he did surmise based on what he knew of his family when he died that they, too, would eventually follow him into torment (Luke 16:19-31).
On another occasion in the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel was permitted to speak from the dead, providing quite a shock to the witch of Endor (1 Samuel 28:12). When Samuel spoke to King Saul, he asked why he had disturbed him, perhaps indicating that he was unaware of contemporary events, people, etc. Samuel, though, did prophesy regarding the demise of Saul, comparable to what he had done while alive as a messenger between God and mankind.
It is a comforting thought, perhaps, that our departed loved ones look down upon us, but if it is so, we cannot discern it from the Scriptures. However, we can be sure that even if our loved ones cannot see us, they certainly desire the best possible outcome for us, which was true regarding the rich man in torment.
