Good Morning Friends,
"Woe to you, Korazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles
that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would
have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more
bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum,
will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. He who
listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects
me rejects him who sent me." (Luke 10:13-15)
The principle Jesus teaches in this passage is
that people will be judged, at least in part, according to the opportunities
they received during their lives. Korazin and Bethsaida received many
opportunities, but they did not respond to them very well. They will be judged
more harshly because of that. Places like Tyre and Sidon which did not receive
as many opportunities will be judged less harshly.
It seems, then, that America will be judged
very harshly because the opportunities we have received are more than any other
nation in the world, at least in this era. There are more churches and more
ministries here, per capita, than in any other place in the world. More money
is available for preaching the Gospel here than can be imagined in other
places. The Gospel has been broadcast many times on television and radio,
preached in huge stadiums and other large venues, books have been distributed,
videos given away. Americans who have not responded to the Gospel have no
excuse, they've had plenty of opportunities.
It is discouraging that so many Americans have
heard the Gospel but have not responded to it by receiving Christ. Even as we
have shared our own faith with those around us we've seen that happen, people
don't always respond to what we share. Judgment awaits them -- harsh judgment. That's
a powerful motivation for us to keep sharing. It is also powerful motivation to
be sure that we take advantage of the opportunities the Lord gives to us.
His, by Grace, Steve
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