Matthew 11:20 Then began he to upbraid the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not:
21 Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works, which were done in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.
22 But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you.
23 And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.
24 But I say unto you, That it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for thee.
Introductory Thoughts
There is a Bible principle stated quite succinctly: “Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required” (Luke 12:48). This applies to individuals, but likewise to nations. During the Lord’s earthly ministry, He rebuked some of the cities because of their unwillingness to repent after having witnessed His mighty works. No doubt, some nations have seen more of the Lord’s mighty works than others. This is both a blessing and a curse. Those nations who have witnessed an abundance of the goodness and power of God are accountable for all that they have known and experienced. As stated by Christ, if God would have done the wonders among those in Tyre, Sidon, or Sodom that He did when Christ walked this earth, those nations would have been more faithful than His chosen people who witnessed so much. Every nation and people has a responsibility to be the right type of an ambassador of God’s truth.
Devotional Thoughts
(For children): The Jewish nation had seen the Lord’s works, heard His wisdom, and still refused to repent and believe (Acts 2:22-23; Matthew 13:54; Matthew 12:41-42). Pharaoh saw mighty works, but because of his attitude, Egypt was ruined and he lost his life (Exodus 5:2; Psalm 105:26-38; Exodus 10:7; Exodus 14:13, 28).
(For everyone): Has your country seen the “mighty works” of God? What have you done with this knowledge? Has it mostly been ignored?
Name some countries (or people groups) mentioned in scripture which fell because of the judgment of God. Did those countries know about God like your country does? How does this make your country more accountable?
Prayer Thoughts
Ask God to give you a heart for the people in your country.
Ask God to open the eyes of your country to His “mighty works.”
SONG: AFFLICTIONS, THOUGH THEY SEEM SEVERE
Quotes from the next volume
(VOLUME 1, WEEK 30)
Subject: Joy
The Bible provides several sources of man’s joy, but each source can in some way be directly traced back to the Lord.
Just as God desires for men to have wisdom and knowledge, He wants men to know the joy that comes only from and through Him.
People express joy in distinct ways: some expressions involve tears, some laughter, and some simple words of praise; yet each expression of joy stems from the goodness of God.