Chorazin... Bethsaida... Don't Follow Their Example!
During His public ministry, Jesus Christ had some pretty tough words for the cities of Choarzin and Bethsaida.
"Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the mighty works which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago" (Matthew 11:21).
Choarzin's exact location is not certain, though likely near Capernaum. Bethsaida, a Galilean city, was home to Andrew, Peter, and Philip. These two cities were, in some ways, the base of operations for much of Jesus' public teachings as well as His miraculous works. Jesus' condemnation was clear -- citizens of these cities had seen numerous events in their recent histories wherein they should have believed in Him and changed their ways. Instead, the Savior pointed out, these people continued in their sinful ways. Jesus pointed out that, in the day of judgment, their refusal to repent and follow God would be remembered, much to their detriment (Matthew 11:22).
In our own lives, we must not grow complacent in service to God. Furthermore, we must not ever take for granted God's power and grace. Doing so will make us like the citizens of these two cities who, it seems, forgot how blessed they were to witness God and His power in their lives. In doing so, they incurred the wrath of God's Son and that's something you and I must always remember. This week, let's remember God's power, His grace, His mercy, and the responsibility that we have to proudly proclaim His message to others!
The Hungry Earth
Moses, like many of God's chosen leaders, faced opposition from a number of places. In Numbers 16, Moses and Aaron were both attacked by three key men whose jealous ambitions got the best of them: Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. These men helped "stir up" the Israelite camp and got many men to publically oppose Moses and his brother. Their question, "Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord" is quite illustrative of their envy (Numbers 16:3).
The statements greatly upset Moses and Aaron, both of whom were appointed by God to do specific things. God had chosen these men to do other things. Now, even God Himself was angry. He instructed Moses to tell the camp to get away from these "wicked men" and to not have anything to do with them, their families, or their possessions (Numbers 16:26).
Then, after Moses finished telling the men and their families (children included) that they will soon better understand how they have rejected God (not simply Aaron and himself), God opened up the ground beneath these men and the earth swallowed up the men and their families (Numbers 16:30-32).
After this, 250 men who had allied themselves with these wicked men began to flee, knowing that they were guilty as well. God knew where they were and caused a great fire to consume them all (Numbers 16:35). No matter where we are, God knows what we're doing and we must be cautious to make sure we are consistent in living faithfully in His service.
While the earth may not open itself today and swallow us, we must still be diligent in seeking God and doing His will, living daily for His purpose!