Woe to You Bethsaida

These ruins are all that is left of Bethsaida, but at one time it was a flourishing city. Located north of the Sea of Galilee, it was a fisherman’s town. One archaeological dig found a big hole with a bunch of fish hooks. Imagine that! Andrew, Peter and Philip came from Bethsaida, and guess what! They were all fishermen. No mystery there. This is also a place where Jesus performed many miracles, but He also cursed this place. Why?

Here is the answer: “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” (Matthew 11:21).

The people here north of the Sea of Galilee saw more of Jesus. They saw miracles with their own eyes. They heard Jesus’ teachings with their own ears. What happened? I’ll tell you what I think.

I think everything around them blended in to who they were–lots of pagan beliefs, idolatry, and living self-indulgent lives. Sounds familiar, right? Unless we read God’s word we won’t know the Truth from other religions or about idolatry? You might say, “I don’t worship idols.” thinking you don’t worship a figurine or statue. But how do you spend your time? Your money? Do these things indicate your love for God or something else? In my early years as a Christian, the Bible and church were just a couple good things in the potpourri of my life. Since then, God has become my life, not just part of my life.

When I get to Heaven’s gates, I want to hear “Well done, Sue!” and not, “Woe to you, Sue” because I left the Garden of the Lord untended.

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for blessing me. Make me a blessing today to bless others. Teach me to serve and not be so self-serving. I love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Miracles and Curses

Ruins of a Synagogue in Chorazin, Israel

Chorazin was a city north of the Sea of Galilee where the disciples Peter, Andrew and Philip grew up. This is the area near Capernaum and Bethsaida where Jesus carried out His ministry. He taught in the synagogues and healed the sick. However, Jesus said, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had happened in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes” (Matthew 11:21). It’s a terrible curse when the Lord puts “Woe to you” in front of what He says.

Are you in ministry? Do people always respond to you with appreciation? Probably not. It is disappointing when it seems that all our work is fruitless. I think that is how Jesus felt. Unlike me, though, He did not think He failed. He put the people’s lack of faith where it belonged–on them.

Moses Seat

The synagogue in Chorazin has one of the only Moses Seats in all the ruins of the Holy Lands. In Old Testament times judges, like Moses, sat in these seats to settle disputes among the people. In the New Testament times the Rabbi read the Scriptures from this seat.

I think the city Chorazin began as a place where people worshiped and revered God, but what happened? The hearts of the people grew cold and not even Jesus’ miracles brought about repentance or change. The world we live in is a lot like Chorazin. It began with God’s creation and people loved God, but little by little, their hearts grew numb to His blessings. They chose their ways over His ways. What do you think He thinks of our world? I am afraid He might start His message to earth with, “Woe to you!”

The Bible talks about a Great White Throne Judgement where unbelievers will be held accountable for their choices and how they lived. Believers will also face the Judgement Seat of Christ, not to be judged between good or evil, but He will give rewards for what we accomplished for His glory. What we do on earth will be forgotten, except what we do for the Lord.

Prayer: Holy God, thank you for your word and statutes; for your love and mercy. Help us to respond in love to you and to people. Help us to work revival in this dark world we live in. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.