PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 21:12-17
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“My house will be called a house of prayer.” (Matthew 21:13)
Why do people go to a church gathering?
Some go out of religious duty or tradition, or to add a little ‘God’ to their lives.
Others go to actually seek God, or to meet a deep need in their soul.
Some find what they are looking for, but others leave disappointed.
Maybe the problem is in them… yet sometimes the problem is in the church.
Some churches put up walls that hinder people from actually connecting to God.
This is what the religious leaders were doing in the temple, and what angered Jesus.
God gatherings ought to be for seekers, people needing hope or help or forgiveness.
We may be those seekers too, but we are not the only ones; Jesus has ‘other sheep!’
What are the ‘tables and benches’ that stand in the way in your church?
Who are the people that are ignored, or looked down on, or used for what they give?
Are the needs of members the main focus, or also the needs of neighbours and visitors?
Are people welcoming, do they smile sincerely and show genuine interest in guests?
How about you: are you an open door or a barrier for people seeking Jesus in your church?
PRAYER
Lord, You want us to be an open door to seekers, to remove whatever walls keep them from truly meeting You in prayer. May I remove my own barriers willingly, before You have to do it for me.
I think of the things that I need to ‘overturn’ and scatter – things that keep from being wholly devoted to Jesus – who really belongs in my temple. How do I put off the HS – get distracted and caught up in things that serve to draw me away. Help me to ‘cleanse’ my temple – so that it may be a house where God dwells.
Cleansing of the temple. Jesus takes our worship very seriously. What needs to be cleansed from our places of worship so that it is all for Jesus? Or what needs to be cleansed from my heart to truly worship Him? Christ lives within me and I am/we are temples of the living God. Our head, hearts, and hands need to truly serve Him in all I/we do.
Purify my heart,
Let me be as gold and precious silver.
Purify my heart,
Let me be as gold, pure gold.
Refiner’s fire,
My heart’s one desire
Is to be… holy;
Set apart for You, Lord.
I choose to be… holy;
Set apart for You, my Master,
Ready to do Your will.
Purify my heart,
Cleanse me from within
And make me holy.
Purify my heart,
Cleanse me from my sin, deep within.