Today’s reading is Matthew 11.
Back in Matthew 10:15, Jesus had told the apostles whoever refused to listen to them would not fare even as well as Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of their judgment. Now, in Matthew 11:24, He says the same thing to the towns and villages themselves because they are rejecting His teaching. Remember, this is right on the heels of Jesus explaining the Jews were rejecting Him because He wasn’t dancing to their tune.
It will be more tolerable for Sodom, Tyre, and Sidon than for Capernaum, Chorazin, and Bethsaida because these latter three had seen more evidence. Jesus had done His amazing works among them. These towns of Israel had more access to God’s word, will, and work and would be judged more strictly.
Question: Where does that leave today’s towns, villages, cities, counties, parishes, states, territories, and countries? Admittedly, I am thinking from my experience in my own country, the USA. The Bible has been the highest selling book in the Western world for generations. We can find hard copies of the Bible for mere dollars. If someone has access to a computer (think: public library) or a smart phone, he or she can have a Bible for free. I doubt there is a single person in this country that hasn’t at least heard of the Bible. I doubt there are many that don’t at least know the Bible is considered to be the Word of God by lots of people. Where does that leave us?
We have all we need. We have the easiest and greatest access to it in all of history. Understand what this will mean for our day of judgment. As much as our generation wants to talk about tolerance, we need to know that the coming day of judgment will not be very tolerant for us. If we reject Jesus, it won’t be for lack of God shining the light on Him. God is not going to be very tolerant on us if we reject Jesus. In fact, He is going to be downright intolerant. By the way, lets not forget this is going to include this generation that demands Jesus play by their rules. We may convince ourselves we are following Jesus, but those among us who change the rules and remake Jesus in our own image will not be tolerated in the judgment.
Do you have ears? Please, hear what Jesus is saying to His generation and to ours.
Tomorrow’s reading is Matthew 11.
PODCAST!!!
Discuss the Following Questions with Your Family
- What are your initial reactions to the chapter and the written devo above?
- Why do so many ignore the coming day of judgment?
- Why do so many who ignore Jesus think that even if there is a day of judgment they will be tolerated?
- What is the only way for us to be tolerated in the day of judgment?
- What do you think we should pray for and about in light of this chapter and today’s post?
Read the Bible 