“Come To God’s House For The Purpose Of Prayer And Worship!”

“Come To God’s House For The Purpose Of Prayer And Worship!”
Jesus entered the temple area and at once began driving out buyers and sellers and “upturned the tables of the moneychangers and the benches of those selling doves.” He also “would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.”
As he engaged in teaching he reminded them of what is written in Scripture. The prophet Isaiah had talked of a time when God’s house will be called “…a house of prayer for all nations.”(56:7).
On his part Jeremiah said people cannot do detestable things then come before the Lord and say, “We are safe!” He raised the question, “Has this house which bears my name, become a den of robbers to you?…”(7:9-11).
In a writeup concerning a fake resurrection saga the writer said the proverb, “…as poor as a church rat” actually depicts what the financial situation of a church should be. However what obtains in most places is the reverse. I’m not saying the author is right, but Jesus will be tackling an enormous task, which even though with God all things are possible he may not be able to achieve in today’s houses of the Lord!
Money laundering in some denominations, ostentatious lifestyles of some ministers, scam miracles to attract membership and swell income and the sales of various kinds of gadgets that promises false security to users are the kinds of driving away and overturning Jesus has to deal with if he entered some of the places of worship!
We are told “the chief priests and teachers of the law heard this and they began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching”(Mk. 11:15-19).
Hmmm, if Jesus should come now to visit the places where he is called by name, he should better travel incognito!
Those business people were engaged in businesses that were beneficial to the worshippers, but they were doing it in the wrong place! They also tended to be exploitative! Worshippers are not to be exploited for the purpose of their faith!
My friend, bottomline from this story and the teaching of Jesus is that do not abuse the use of God’s house! Do not use God’s house for financial gains! Go to the house of God for the purpose of prayer and worship! Let God’s house be for the purpose of prayer and worship!
Prayer: Dear Lord lead me by the Holy Spirit to be in your house for prayer and worship and not for financial gains! Amen!
Have a blessed day! Peace be with you!