Matthew 11:20-24 (NRSV)
Jesus prophesies against the cities
Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum,
will you be exalted to heaven?
No, you will be brought down to Hades.
For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you."
Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum,
will you be exalted to heaven?
No, you will be brought down to Hades.
For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you."
Reflection
These are towns that rejected the good news of the kingdom. They didn't listen to what Jesus had to say. As in Sodom the people rejected God's words and messengers, these cities did the same. And, to me, I can see this as a message also. If I walk away from Jesus and his salvation, let me be warned of the consequences.
We all have this choice to make. We can walk with Jesus as a disciple or we can turn and walk away. When we choose to walk with Jesus, we find that the Holy Spirit calls, enlightens, and empowers us to live with God and act out in justice and love and peace. It's a wonderful choice that all can make. Even right now people are making this choice. You could make this choice at this moment also.
Choose to be Jesus' disciple and get up and go. It's the best choice you could ever make. Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, be with those who are making decisions. Give them all they need to make wise and loving choices based on your gospel. Fill cities, nations and the world with your Spirit that we may be one in you...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen
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