February 11Accountable

Luke 11:49-51 “Because of this, God in his wisdom said, ‘'I will send them prophets and apostles, some of whom they will kill and others they will persecute.’ 50 Therefore this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all the prophets that has been shed since the beginning of the world, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I tell you, this generation will be held responsible for it all.”
 
MANY people in the church today often say, “We don’t want to be a fire and brimstone church.” Are they saying, “We don’t want to be a church that tells people of their sins, and God’s judgment to send sinners to Hell? If that’s what they are saying, I hope they don’t invite Jesus to preach some Sunday. They would be greatly offended if he used the “fire and brimstone” approach he preached in this passage. Let’s understand Jesus’ judgment here.
    First, how is Abel a prophet? No words from him are recorded. But know how Abel offered a lamb to the Lord. This is the first sign of Jesus’ crucifixion. Abel’s sacrifice and true worship prophesied the Savior. Even though our Lord pointed Cain to change his inadequate sacrifice and obey God, Cain rebelled to kill his brother.
    Then through the ages, particularly 1000 – 800 BC, God sent prophets to correct the Jews’ disobedient hearts. But the Jews often reacted as Cain. They murdered prophets up to “the blood of Zechariah”: 2 Chronicles 24:20-22 Then the Spirit of God came upon Zechariah son of Jehoiada the priest. He stood before the people and said, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you disobey the Lord's commands? You will not prosper. Because you have forsaken the Lord, he has forsaken you.’” 21 But they plotted against him, and by order of the king they stoned him to death in the courtyard of the Lord’s temple. 22 King Joash did not remember the kindness Zechariah’s father Jehoiada had shown him but killed his son, who said as he lay dying, “May the Lord see this and call you to account.”  
    From Abel to Zechariah – you can say from A-Z – countless prophets whose names we do not know were killed for their faithful witness to God’s justice, grace and mercy. But read again Zechariah’s last words. “May the Lord see this and call you to account.”  He prayed God’s judgment upon his killers. God spoke similar language at Abel’s death – Genesis 4:10 The Lord said (to Cain), “What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground.” Our Lord promised he would one day call to account his prophet-killing people. The Lord God is just. He will fulfill his words.
    Once again, Jesus drew the line. Are you with him or without him? The day of judgment was coming; the curse of Abel and Zechariah came upon that generation as Rome utterly destroyed all vestiges of Jerusalem in 70 AD. Jesus again affirms he is the Living Word made flesh. He spoke of God’s judgment, offered God’s grace, prepared to become God’s salvation, just as he had done since the days of Eden. He is the Lord God Almighty. We – all –  must know he will judge sinners to eternal death, and he will save the repentant to eternal life.
    If this is fire and brimstone, then so be it. God has said it since time began. His ways are true. Worship him only. Be with Jesus. Stay out of Hell.  
 
Prayer: I pray, Father, I love as Jesus loves – urgent to warn people of your holy judgment, passionate to save others into your holy presence. In the Spirit’s life-power I pray. Amen.