Continuing the theme of our conduct in the world, Tuesday’s blog My Preferences? was on the importance of not being demanding. Yesterday, we looked at A Deserved Protest about a Netflix movie. Today, I’d like to wrap this up by thinking again about our own behavior.

I’ve asked previously, what happened to all the people? There were only 120 in the upper room in Acts 1. What happened to the 5000+ whom Jesus fed, for example? Here’s the answer. Jesus said:

How disastrous it will be for the city of Korazin! How horrible for the city of Bethsaida! For if the powerful miracles that I performed in Korazin and Bethsaida had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have humbled themselves and repented, and turned from their sins. Tyre and Sidon will face a lesser degree of judgment than you will on the day of judgment. And Capernaum! Do you really think you’ll be highly exalted because of the great things I have done there? No! You’ll be brought down to the depths of hell because of your rejection of me! Luke 10:13-15 (Passion Translation)

Bethsaida is where Jesus fed the 5,000 (Luke 9.10). Capernaum is where the Roman centurion’s servant was healed, as well as the paraplegic who was lowered through the roof (in front of lots of witnesses!). 

It’s not enough to experience or witness Jesus’ power. I must humble myself, repent, and turn from my sin. 

Then Jesus, overflowing with the Holy Spirit’s anointing of joy, exclaimed, “Father, thank you, for you are Lord Supreme over heaven and earth! You have hidden the great revelation of this authority from those who are proud, those wise in their own eyes, and you have shared it with these who humbled themselves. Yes, Father. This is what pleases your heart and the very way you’ve chosen to extend your kingdom: to give to those who become like trusting children. (Luke 10.21, Passion Translation)

It’s Jesus’ people who need to repent. We tend to focus all our attention on people out there. But here’s a verse, if it applies at all, applies to us: 

If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chronicles 7.14, ESV)

When written, 2 Chronicles 7.14 applied to the nation of Israel under Solomon. If if applies today, it doesn’t apply to the nation but to the believers within the nation. 

For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And, “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?” (1 Peter 4.17, 18, ESV)

J. Allen Blair, a preacher I heard years ago, said that the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel is that they will repent, too, if judgment begins at the household of God. Again, it’s we who need to repent first. 

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God… Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. (Ephesians 5.1, 2, 15 – 17, ESV)