And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence,

shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them.

Verily I say unto you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and

Gomorrha in the day of judgment than for that city. Luke 6:11

 

       I almost panicked today. I thought I saw my pastor driving down my street. As far as I know I’m the only member of his church on my street and it appeared he was coming my way for a visit.  I inventoried the mess that is my living room and tried to come up with some excuse to keep him on the porch. To my relief it turned out not to be him.

     Then I came home and read this verse.  Rejecting a man or woman of God is worse than the mess in Sodom and Gomorrha. That’s heavy! These were two unrighteous cities. Abraham pleaded with God not to destroy them. Genesis 18:22-32 records Abraham’s exchange with God. Abraham does not want the righteous “swept away” with the wicked. When the conversation is over God has agreed to suspend His wrath for the sake of ten righteous men. There is a rock-salt formation on the spot believed to be where Lot’s wife looked back. Not even ten righteous men could be found.

       It’s mind boggling to think that not welcoming disciples will be worse on Judgement Day than the sins of Soddom and Gomorrha. But the red letters say it is so. I must choose to go with what I understand: if my pastor ever does stop by, I will open my doors and be hospitable. Also, it might behoove me to keep a clean house, so I don't have to worry about unexpected company.

      You certainly would not turn away Jesus if He came to your door. Now you know not to do anything against His disciples