Old Testament Genesis 32:13-34:31
New Testament Matthew 11:7-30
Psalm 14:1-7
Proverbs 3:19-20
The Day of Judgment
The Bible gives repeated warnings about a coming day when God will judge. This should give everyone pause. I am afraid most are too busy to give it a second though. Many today are living their busy lives as if all that matters is to get the most out of this life as you can. Here is an interesting question, “How much is enough?” There is no way possible to see it all, have it all, or do it all, yet we live with the illusion that we can. It is interesting how in today’s Genesis passage both Esau and Jacob say, “I have enough.” Of course this is in reference to their material wealth, but what about other things like witness, facts, and truth. Sadly, there are thousands of people who have heard enough testimony, facts, and truth about Jesus, yet they still choose to reject His rightful authority over their lives.
In Matthew 11:20-24 Jesus warns the cities, where he has done most of his mighty works, to look forward to the day of judgment. Why? Because Jesus knows the eternal realities will last longer than these temporary earthly realities. Because Jesus knows about the horrible position someone is in when the day of judgment arrives for those who are stubbornly sinful in their rejection of His salvation.
If you read the Matthew passage closely you will notice there will be different degrees of judgment. The degree varies based on the revelation given. In the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum the Son of God walk in their midst, and yet they did not heed his instructions or his calls to repentance. Jesus says these cities will suffer greater punishment on the day of judgment than some Gentile cities such as Tyre and Sidon, and even the notorious sinful city of Sodom.
These are breathtaking words. Today, we have the privilege of two thousand years of history to look back upon and gather information. Today, millions of people have virtually every opportunity to examine the testimony, test the facts, and weigh the truth concerning the person and work of Jesus Christ, and yet they reject repentance. Consider these sobering words from yesterday’s reading.
Matthew 10:14–15 14
And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15
Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.
Friends, repent today, for tomorrow might be the day of judgment.
