Thoughts for the Day

Walls of Jericho are destroyed

‘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, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But at the judgement 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.

Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me, and whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Well everything comes to the person who waits! That is to say, those verses of the Gospels I didn't want to comment on in the last five years have a habit of turning up again! So just what does this little passage from Luke's Gospel mean? Jesus is traveling through various towns and villages, teaching and spreading the message of the Kingdom of God. One particular day, he arrives at a small village on the outskirts of Galilee to continue his teaching and the people are receptive. In the evening his habit is to heal the sick when his message has been well received.

But first he emphasises the seriousness of rejecting him and his teaching. Jesus is offering himself as the way to salvation and eternal life, and he takes this opportunity to deliver a message to the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, who have all rejected his ministry. Despite witnessing his miracles they have not repented their ways. He points out that if his actions had been carried out in the pagan cities of Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago. While Capernaum, where Jesus made his home, is warned of severe judgment for its pride and unbelief.

His words also serve as a reminder to each of us about choosing or rejecting God's offer - that we shall be accountable for our life one day in the future! The passage highlights the importance of being open to receiving God’s messengers and His messages, for when we reject them we reject God. Whereas when we actively engage with God’s word and teachings, allowing ourselves to be guided and enlightened by His wisdom we will continue to grow stronger as God's people.

Heavenly Father,
may we learn to understand that Your messengers
come in all kinds of disguises,
but they always bring words of wisdom and love.
Teach us not to ignore Your messages
for in doing so we reject You.
Forgive our ignorance and our mistakes,
and ever keep us open to the possibilities
for today and for the future.
Amen.