This is a message for pastors. I am discharging this message to you. You’ve been duly warned.
Matthew 11:20-30 is one of the most sobering, yet hopeful sections of Scripture in all of Matthew. Jesus gives a stern warning to three cities (Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum) that should have repented because of his testimony. Listen to what he says:
Matthew 11:20 Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent. 21″Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22″Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you.
23″And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. 24″Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you.”
Why is Jesus speaking so harshly against these cities? Because they would not repent! Their hearts were hardened. They would not turn from their wickedness. Jesus even used “Woe!” The word “woe” is used to express grief, regret, or distress. Can you imagine if Jesus were to say that to you? How would you respond?
Continue reading here…
The last bit of the article lays the charge where it msotly belongs:
“Pastors, are you preaching weak sermons that are meant to attract goats? Or are you preaching with unction, praying and pleading that the Lord would draw His own elect unto Himself? Do you soft-pedal the Gospel, like Rick Warren, Robert Shuller, Joel Osteen, and others? Or do you preach God’s word with the power of the Holy Spirit?
“I am laying this charge at your feet, pastors. The sheep are not being fed, so instead they turn to wickedness. Are you going to be faithful to preach God’s word and stand firm, come what may?”
Sheep who sit still for that sort of thing share the blame to a lessor degree.
Would that this was available to me three years ago.