If Jesus’ actions were extremely strong, so too were his words. Jesus saw the very place that anyone may come to meet with God, the Temple precinct, being turned into a chaotic turmoil of earthly bickering and shady deals. The Gospel of Mark colours it in quite well, “My house shall be a house of prayer for all nations. But you have made it a den of robbers.” (Mark 11:17)
When a place of worship ceases to provide space for anyone to seek and find God, it ceases to be God’s place of worship. When, as a Church, we turn our focus away from God and rather mirror worldly desires, we cease to be God’s church.
Worship that reverently welcomes a stranger into God’s presence plants a desire in their heart. Such a loved, welcomed, accepted seeker will serve God gladly in
the church and reflect God’s love in the world. But an insulated, self-serving church will grow deaf to God’s voice and cold without God’s love. It will simply reflect the broken world that holds no hope.
Who were the people who led you to Jesus?
Where did you meet them? What attracted you to them?
How have you felt empowered to focus on God?
Are there habits, attitudes or actions in yourself you need God’s help to change? Jesus longs to listen to your prayer.
