Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where he had done so many of his miracles, because they hadn’t repented of their sins and turned to God. “What sorrow awaits you, Korazin and Bethsaida! For if the miracles I did in you had been done in wicked Tyre and Sidon, their people would have repented of their sins long ago, clothing themselves in burlap and throwing ashes on their heads to show their remorse. I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be better off on judgment day than you. And you people of Capernaum, will you be honored in heaven? No, you will go down to the place of the dead. For if the miracles I did for you had been done in wicked Sodom, it would still be here today. I tell you, even Sodom will be better off on judgment day than you.”
I am not typically a doom and gloom kind of guy, but I have to say that this passage does not bode well for America.
I believe it is safe to assume that Jesus reflects the heart and thinking of God. We see here a glimpse of God's thoughts toward the cities in which Jesus was ministering. These cities have no excuse for refusing to turn their hearts fully and completely to God. Jesus is teaching. Jesus is healing people. Jesus is casting out demons. It would be hard to argue against Jesus' claim that the Kingdom of God had arrived -that Father was pouring out His love and mercy; yet people hardened their hearts and continued to expect miracles and goodness from God almost like it was simple entertainment and they were entitled to it. God said it will go easier on the Day of Judgment for the inhabitants of Sodom -a city He had destroyed with fire from Heaven because of their perverseness.
Here in America, we have experienced the favor and goodness of God for generation after generation. We have had the best of everything this world has to offer -including spiritual blessings. Despite the obvious fact that God has favored us and blessed us and poured His love out upon us, we have turned our backs and hardened our hearts and developed an attitude of entitlement. Many Americans actually believe that the greatness of America is simply because we are great people. If Judgment is coming for Korazin and Bethsaida and Capernaum, can we really think God will turn a blind eye to our arrogance and sin? If He did, he would have to apologize to Sodom.
Great message.
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