“But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.” (Luke 10:10-12 KJV).
The Lord Jesus continues His instruction to the seventy plus disciples He is sending as advance party to cities and towns that are in His visit list. The disciples’ mission is to proclaim that the Kingdom of God is at hand. They are given the authority to heal the sick and to cast out demons. In these verses, they are given specific command what to do to a city or town that rejects the message they bring. They are primed ahead to be ready and not be surprised when the message of the Kingdom of God will not be received with open arms and heart. Some will even go beyond rejection to mount an opposition, but still they must proclaim that the Kingdom of God is come.
The environment in Israel during this moment in time, people were eagerly awaiting for the Messiah. Hence, it is of significance to understand the reality on the ground where the Lord’s disciples are heading. The Jewish people were expecting a Messiah that will establish a physical kingdom of God that will save them from Roman rule. But the message the Lord sent the disciples to deliver is of a spiritual kingdom of God and repentance - very far fetched for many to accept in the cities and villages that are influenced by religion, especially the religious leaders and the priests.
Hence, the Lord Jesus had the disciples ready for such scenario of rejection. In such sobering case they are commanded to go out publicly in their streets, shake the dust of their feet and declare: “‘Even the dust of your town we wipe from our feet as a warning to you. Yet be sure of this: The kingdom of God has come near.’” (Luke 10:11 NIV). Rejection of the kingdom of God that comes in the Person of Grace - Christ Jesus our Lord, brings the severest form of consequence on the Day of the Lord’s second coming. Rejection of GRACE makes Sodom more bearable than that town, the Lord warns.
Such a very profound warning for those in this present day and age who stubbornly rejects the Kingdom’s gospel of the Grace of God. They hear but purposely refuse to believe. They opt to follow pagan based religion of customs, rituals and traditions concocted through worldly ideas. They commit a self-ordained judgement on themselves. The Lord Jesus declared these words of truth: “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” (John 3:18 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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