Matthew the apostle shared how Jesus“sent forth” twelve apostles “and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter you not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as you go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely you have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses. Nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town you shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till you go there. And when you come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when you depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet”, and in chapter ten and verse fifteen of his book, Matthew shared how Jesus told His disciples, “it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city” where we read:
Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha
in the day of judgment, than for that city.
The verse reads, “Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha ...” Matthew began with the word, “verily” which means “truly, surely and of a truth” “I say” which refers to “Jesus uttering, declaring and proclaiming” “to you” or “toward Jesus' disciples”, “it shall be” which means “it will come to pass and exist as” “more tolerable” or “to a greater degree bearable and endurable” “for the land” which means “for the country, territory, region and arable ground” “of Sodom” which means “belonging to the city destroyed by the Lord raining fire and brimstone upon it whose name means burning”“and Gomorrha” which means “submersion” and refers to “a city in eastern part of Judah that was destroyed when the Lord rained fire and brimstone on it; now covered by the Dead Sea”. Matthew shared how Jesus declared the “judgment” of “Sodom and Gomorrha” would be easier than for those of whom He is about to address.
The verse goes on to say, “... in the day of judgment, than for that city.” Matthew added the words, “in the day” which means “the last day of this present age which is the day Christ will return from heaven, raise the dead, hold the final judgment and perfect his kingdom” “of judgment” or “pertaining to separating, sundering, trial, sentence of condemnation, damnation and punishment”, “than for that city” or “that for the dwelling place, abode and habitation” of the place who rejects the words of the “disciples” concerning the “kingdom of heaven”. Matthew shared how Jesus declared there would be a “day of judgment”, and the “city” who does not “receive” His words, even when they are presented by an “apostle”, shall receive a greater “judgment” that “Sodom and Gomorrha” which were burned completely.
When we meditate upon Matthew's words in this verse, we discover the importance of the words of the “apostles” whom Jesus sent out. The “kingdom of heaven is near”, and those who are wise listen to God's words of warning. Since it was considered “near” at that time, how much more is it considered “near” now. God desires to have a relationship with every person through His Son Jesus Christ who gave His life to pay the penalty for people's sins. All that is necessary today is to receive His wonderful gift of “salvation” by faith, and “everlasting life” is promised. However, should any read these words and not “receive” Him, their judgment shall be “greater than Sodom and Gomorrha” and woe be to the one endures that punishment.
Next time Matthew shares how Jesus told His disciples, “I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book
“Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the
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Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms
Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County"
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