Worship, September 4

Worship, September 4

So they came to Jerusalem. And Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves.
And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple.
Then He taught, saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it a 'den of thieves.'"
And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching.

Mark 11:15-18, www.solascriptura.com

Jesus, very seldom did You show anger outwardly. Here You teach us a great deal about what a church should not be. It is not a place where the focus is on raising money, advancing personal interests, or a place where social relationships rise above our purpose in being there.

You bring us to church to worship, together, to sing praises, together, and to jointly support the ministry of the church and You teach us elsewhere it is good to be in the House of the Lord.

But here, the focus is on the primary function of a church and the Body of Believers and that focus is prayer. When we gather together You expect us to think of our time there as a time we spend listening and speaking of You, lifting our spirits up to Your Spirit, seeking refreshment that only You can provide. We are taught to pray unceasingly and particularly when we enter into Your presence, together. What a joy it is Jesus to be welcomed by You.

Bless our worship we pray, in Your Holy name, amen

Bruce Caldwell