December 28Rejected

Luke 10:13-16 “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. 14 But it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. 16 “He who listens to you listens to me; he who rejects you rejects me; but he who rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
 
“REJECTED” is a negative name for a gospel teaching isn’t it? I struggled with this but feel it is a good summary of these very strong words Jesus spoke to the Jews.
   The three towns of Korazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum are on the shore of the Sea of Galilee. Most of Jesus’ 12 disciples came from there. Even more, Jesus seemed to adopt Capernaum as his hometown while he ministered. It was here he offered his first known miracle of the water into wind (John 2). Most of his healings and teachings were done in these three towns. Why the, does he condemn them?
   He is speaking to the ways they continue to reject his teachings. Even though miraculous wonders were done in these towns, many rejected the Son of God. He gives more grace to the foreign cities of Tyre and Sidon. They will fare better in the coming Kingdom of God as more receive the gospel. Indeed, the Jews were the first to persecute Jesus’ church. And the gospel was more readily received in these non-Jewish populations.
   Have you had the privilege to receive God’s teachings? Are you numbered as a member of Jesus’ church? Do you serve our Lord? Are you a witness to the transforming wonder of spiritual and physical healings?
   What then, is your response to the Christ? Do you receive the Word and believe in its power? Or might you filter it through, “That sounds good to me.” as you reject the uncomfortable, challenging teachings? If the latter comes near to describing your response to Holy Scripture, you might think you have said, “No.” to a teacher, pastor, friend or spouse. But you are truly saying, “No.” to the Lord of Hosts.
   Many people will reject true biblical teaching. God’s “do’s” and “don’t’s”, “judgments and salvation”, disturb our minds to say, “I won’t do that. I’m sure God understands.” Yes, you are right. God does understand you are rejecting him.
 
Prayer: Put my heart right with you, Lord. I pray I never do anything that says, “No.” to you for you have done all for me. Amen.