In the Chorazin synagogue remains, a Medusa. Israel.
Chorazin is mentioned once in the New Testament in a word of warning from Jesus. Chorazin was only two miles from Capernaum (home base for Jesus’ ministry).
“Then began he to rebuke the cities wherein most of his mighty works were done, because they repented not. ‘Woe unto thee, Chorazin!…for if the mighty works, which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.’ But I say unto you, ‘It shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you.’” (Matthew 11:20-22).
In the archaeological remains of Chorazin a synagogue was found. Dating the synagogue has been difficult. Some contend for 2nd or 3rd century A.D., while others lean toward 4th or 5th century A.D. Whatever date is true, this much we can agree on, these synagogue remains are well after the time of Jesus and His solemn warning.
In this synagogue the use of images carved into the basalt stones was uncovered. One image is clearly a symbol of Medusa. An explanatory sign reads, “In Greek mythology, Medusa was one of the three Gorgons. Whoever dared to look her in the face was instantly turned to stone. Perseus (averting his eyes) succeeded in killing her, and from her flowing blood emanated the winged horse, Pegasus.”
Why would Greek mythology be represented in a building to worship the God of the Bible? One explanation is that the people accommodated and welcomed various beliefs without regard for determining the truth. Syncretism is the combining, in this instance, of different religious doctrines practices into one belief system.
In the 1st century A.D., the people of Chorazin were privileged to observe many of Jesus Christ’s deeds and hear the words which would set them free. But, according to Jesus, they did not respond to Him in faith. The archaeological remains suggest that up to five centuries later—think about that—up to double the time the United States has existed, Chorazin, with evidence of their practice, was still rejecting Jesus Christ as the only way of salvation.
While we are not exempt from being like the people of Chorazin, we are most vulnerable when we refuse to yield to the authority of God’s Word in what we believe to be the truth and how we act upon that truth.
We are a community of three small congregations with services provided in English, Spanish, and Korean. We meet in Bell Gardens, a city southeast of downtown Los Angeles. Our desire is to please God in all that we do, especially in telling what the Bible says about who Jesus Christ is and what He has done for our benefit. We honor Jesus by following and responding to Him as the Holy Spirit guides us, in loving (becoming intensely satisfied in) Christ and loving (seeking the best for) one another. We would like to extend an invitation to you to be His guest, with us, this week. 