13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will go down to Hades. 16 Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”
Luke 10:13-16
What is the first thing you do when you want to buy something big? If you’re like me, I ask Google and begin researching, learning everything I can about the product. And the big one—I read the reviews. How many times have you read the not-so-glowing reviews of a product and think, “That won’t apply to me,” only to wish you had listened to the experience of others? Or purchased a product based on the positive reviews, and the product is exactly as described and serves you well?
Do you ever read certain Scriptures and just don’t know what to do with it? Or think, “Wow, that’s harsh?” Well, today is one of those days.
Jesus was sending out disciples, other than the famous twelve, to harvest souls for the kingdom. They were to rely on the kindness and hospitality of strangers. Jesus warned that if the townspeople wouldn’t welcome them, or listen to their message, then don’t waste their time, move on, and He’ll destroy the city. In other words, Jesus was saying, “I know what is ahead of you. I’ve got you. I’ll take care of you, and I’ll deal with those who won’t listen to you or Me.”
“Woe to Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum!” Jesus wasn’t kidding. Because those cities rejected His disciples, these cities were wiped off the face of the earth. Even my spell checker is rejecting the spelling of Chorazin. Archeologists still can’t find Chorazin’s ruins and question if it ever existed. We know it did. But it proves God does what He says. He is truthful in His review.
The same is true for our life today. Reading the Bible gives us the “product review” we need. If we don’t heed the commands—accept the gift of Jesus—or reject the principles found on the pages through the Holy Spirit, we’ll regret it. One day it will be too late, and we’ll be lost forever. But if we listen and open our heart to the message, we will serve Him well.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What are you struggling with today, spiritually?
- What does Scripture say about your struggle or sin? What are the warnings if you don’t course-correct?
- Are you willing to ask forgiveness, and change your mind, your habit, and your heart to heed the warning? If so, talk to God now—He’s listening.