Humbleness

STUDY: #886-CHURCH IN THE HOUSES FROM: FEBUARY 2 @ 8, 2016

TOPIC: "Humbleness" Matthew 11:23 Repentance is when people change their mentality and behavior; leaving sin and turning to God. Jesus strongly rebuked the Jews who lived in Capernaum by saying, "And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day." Matthew 11:23. They did not want to repent; even though He had done so many miracles and wonders among them. But the Lord spoke to them that way for their good. He could have remained silent, and kept walking. The Lord Jesus Christ had not only performed great miracles in Capernaum, but in every city He visited. Capernaum, an Israeli city located on the banks of the Sea of Galilee, is emphatically condemned. "And you, Capernaum ..." Jesus’ miracles had been the daily bread in Capernaum. However, the same way that the manna was not appreciated by the ancient Jewish people during the time of Moses, Jesus’ miracles were not appreciated in that city visited by God Himself. How many consoling teachings had Jesus taught them, almost in vain! Now, what the Lord gives them is a teaching on God's wrath, and He announces the miserable end to the city: "And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades.” Capernaum was a prosperous city, and this resulted in its Jews being insolently arrogant. As punishment, they were destined to a disastrous end. Our “exterior” privileges (the material things, and fame) will be far from saving us. It will more likely be like abundant grass for a consuming fire; unless our hearts are humble and grateful, and our life is molded by the teachings we have received. Sodom would still exist if they had received the miracles Jesus had done in Capernaum. In fact, Jesus went to live from Nazareth to Capernaum, and whenever He left, He always returned. But, because of the Jews heart of stone, Capernaum was left in ruins. When man trusts himself, and not God; it leads to ruin. Psalm 20: 7-8 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm.” The chariots and horses represent the greatness of man; that impress the human eye. With their harness and ornaments, they have a look that enchants men. But the eyes that discern by faith SEE MORE IN AN INVISIBLE GOD, that in them! "They are brought to their knees and fall ..." The world, death, Satan, and sin will be trampled under the soles of believers, the champions of faith. Those who trust in the arms of the flesh, and not the God who created them; will be eternally shamed and confounded. Psalm 106:43 "Many times he delivered them, but they were bent on rebellion, and they wasted away in their sin." The sin of idolatry must have been deeply rooted in the life of the Jewish people. Because they continuously sinned despite the suffering and adversity that this sin brought them. This should not surprise us, for this is the way man is! What should surprise us is that man prefers sin and Hell over Heaven and God. Pride, desires, the persistence of only trusting oneself eventually destroys us. Because that's what we love; the earthly, the temporary. God was left out of their lives long ago.

But, God’s day will arrive! In Isaiah 26:1-5 the prophet says: "In that day ..." We see that for whoever humbles themselves there is a future of joy, not one of regret or suffering. In the passage a "... strong city ..." is mentioned. This city is not like Capernaum, who lost everything because of its people’s hard heart. This is the future city of blessing, it is OUR NEW JERUSALEM. Which is also mentioned in Revelations 21: 2-4. There will be no weeping, crying nor pain. We read in Isaiah 26:2 "Open the gates that the righteous people may enter ..." The doors will be left wide open for the nation of righteous people, but no one except the just will be able to enter. Today the deceivers and vain can go to church. But in the Celestial City, only the humble will be able to enter; those who humble themselves and become righteous. The "keepers of truths ...." will be allowed to enter. The people who are keepers of God’s fidelity. Those who are not tormented by pride, those who truly trust God, and enjoy complete peace. The God of peace keeps us in peace, despite all the afflictions, and adversities that may befall us. Isaiah 26:3 "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." He who humbles himself is only committed to God. Confiding in Him will lead us to endure for all eternity. Our trust is in Him Who Was, Is and Will come! God is a Rock; whoever believeth in Him will not be put to shame or disappointed! Amen.