The purpose of the blessing

Rev Enoch Thompson | APRIL 13, 2023 | Matthew 11:20-27

KEY VERSE:

Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. Matthew 11:20 (NIV)

MESSAGE:

Why are we so blessed, is a good question to ask of oneself, of our nation and of humanity. Very often we lose sight of why we are blessed, and when the purpose is forgotten, abuse is inevitable. When we forget of our humanity as a special creation made in the image of God, it becomes very easy for us to see the divine purpose in our creation and existence, and to lend ourselves to unholy inhuman behaviour.

We have stressed all along that the miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ were not simply the display of empty supernatural power. They were meant to reveal the identity of the One performing the miracles as God and to cause the observers of those miracles to understand the arrival of the Kingdom of God, and to repent and gain entry into that rule of God in the hearts of humans. That is exactly the point that the Lord brings up forcefully in our text. “Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent.” Matthew 11:20 (NIV).

The Lord spoke harshly of the cities of Bethsaida, Korazin and Capernaum, and predicted severe judgment for them on Judgment Day. The cities of Tyre and Sidon, and even Sodom would have a more bearable judgment than the first three cities because, in the scale of God, the later cities would have responded more appropriately if they had witnessed the miracles that the former had the opportunity to witness.

To whom much is given, much is expected. Those who have the opportunity for more spiritual light will be judged with a more strict judgement, in this life and in Judgment Day. Those who are given more of life’s resources will suffer more if they abuse their privilege and end up in poverty.

FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:

Why are you alive today when someone went to bed last night and did not see this morning? Why do you have the ability to see, hear or taste, when others have lost those abilities? Please begin to see that the opportunities God gives you are intended to reveal the reality of God to you, and to lead you to honour God in a closer walk under His rulership.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, please forgive me when I have taken your blessings for granted. Please help me to see the reason for the blessings, and to believe, and to live under your shelter. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.

THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.

SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!