Holy Boldness

people were not satisfied with anything for they were not looking for truth but instead filled their time evaluating but never being satisfied or willing to com mit. But the final statement reveals that Jesus was not conceding their point. He urges that the wisdom of His teaching and methods would be vindicated in the end by the fruit it produces in the people to whom He ministers. Luke’s wording of the same statement reads, “yet wisdom is vindicated by all her chil dren.” (Luke 7:39) Jesus’ ministry would find its ultimate endorsement through the changed lives of His followers. Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles were done because they did not repent…. “Nevertheless, I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment than for you.” (Matt 11: 20, 24) Inevitably, the pure message of Jesus, though it was full of compassion and delivered sweetly and beautifully, still demanded a response. The overwhelming proof of its truthfulness removes the right of a rejection of the message. The rejection of verified and substantiated truth by its very nature draws judgment. Truth governs the natural and moral universe . Some messages demand response and neutrality is simply not allowed. There is a moral imperative behind any substantiated truth which insists that it be recognized and embraced. In the end, the fear of the Lord recognizes the right God has to insist on the way things must be. God governs the universe. He determines its laws and who governs when and where. “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.” Truth isn’t neutral

(Matthew 11:20)

Jesus came with unprecedented verification of His legitimacy. Jesus had a right to expect a positive response to His message. And when they met Him with indifference, He pronounced a judgment. This was not Jesus throwing a fit. This was Jesus operating in the fear of the Lord. There is a time to ponder and there is a time to decide. At a certain

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