"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. But I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment, than for you. 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."
Matthew 11:21
God had promised the Israelites that they would one day be brought back into their own land and that the old estates (cities) would be restored. A good example of this prophecy is found in Ezekiel 36:11. "And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the LORD." Today we can look on a map and see city names the Apostles would have been familiar with: Nazareth, Jerusalem, Cana, Jericho, Nain, Bethany, and even Bethlehem.
Conspicuously missing from the list of modern towns are Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. These are the very cites Jesus cursed for not realizing the overwhelming power of God that graciously walked their streets, healed their sick, raised their dead, and preached the everlasting message of redemption. They are a sobering reminder and fearful sign that America needs to wake up!
From the Preaching of Whitfield, Wesley, Edwards. Finney, Moody, and so many others to the outpouring of miracles at Azuza Street, America has repeatedly seen the power of God move like no other nation. Jesus has walked our streets, healed our sick, raised our dead, and preached the everlasting message of redemption through His church by the power of the Holy Spirit. From the modern day evangelists (preaching truth and not fanciful, fleshly interpretations about health and wealth) reaching across the world, we are truly blessed. However, the same spirit that fell on these three cities has descended on this land. Many mock and ridicule the gospel. Our once Christian colleges and universities teach godless philosophies while sneering at the Bible that opened their very doors. Folks have heard the gospel so often that they fail to listen and take it to heart. Others claim to know Christ but fail to manifest the transforming power of Christ in their life. So many are hearing the message and failing to repent. Our nation has heard it, seen it, tasted it, and touched it all before, but has failed to turn to Christ in humble submission and honor Christ as He should be honored. Church we must pray that the eyes of men's understanding in this land be opened to their need for a consistant relationship with Jesus.
If we do not turn, God will judge. Will we be like Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum? Will we disappear from the world scene? Truly, America is conspicuously missing from all references in prophecy dealing with the Tribulation. Where did we go? Turn now, says the Lord, lest our judgment be more severe than Sodom and Gommorah!
Lawlessness in the World--As in the Days of Noah and Lot
Israel, the Middle East, and the Coming Tribulation
Strange and Unusual News--Post-Rapture Delusions?
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