part five
The Promise
  
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This Generation        

Whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in these days of sin and unbelief, of that person will the Son of Man be ashamed when he returns in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

Still unbelieving, this obstinate generation clamours for a sign; but no sign will be granted other than the sign that was given to the prophet Jonah. For just as Jonah was in the great deep for three days and nights, so the Son of Man will be three days and nights entombed in the earth.

There will come a day when the inhabitants of Nineveh, called the City of Thieves, will stand and pass judgment on this generation, and condemn it. For they repented because of the preaching of Jonah, and now a greater than Jonah stands before you.

The Queen of Sheba will also rise to pass judgment on this generation, and condemn it; for she travelled a great distance to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, a greater than Solomon has come.

How can I describe this generation? They are like children sitting in the market place, calling to their friends: "We have played merrily on our flutes; but you would not dance, or sing. We have played a dirge; but you have refused to be sad."

John, the forerunner, came and lived among you in great austerity. Everyone said: "He must be possessed of a demon."

Now the Son of Man has come to you, enjoying life, and you say: "He is a drunkard and a glutton, and the friend of sinners!" With such brilliance you justify your own inconsistency.

Oh generation, who live your lives based on lies: how can you, being without truth, say anything worth hearing? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

When it is evening, you say: "It will be fair weather, for the sky is red."

In the morning you say: "It will be foul weather today, for the sky is threatening."

With accuracy you forecast a change in the weather. How is it, that you have failed to discern the signs of the times?

Come unto me, all who are tired, oppressed, and sick of life, and I will give you wonderful rest! Receive my words, and let me teach you, for I am gentle and kind. You will find rest for your souls. That which I ask of you, is for your benefit, and that which I demand of you, is light.

Those who have chosen to follow me in this generation will one day sit upon thrones, and judge kingdoms and kings who have hardened their hearts and turned away from these righteous words.

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