A House of Worship?

Mark 11:17 – He taught, saying to them, “Isn’t it written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations?’ (Isaiah 56:7) But you have made it a den of robbers!” (Jeremiah 7:11)

Jesus proclaimed this while in the midst of clearing out the temple, for it was not a place of prayer and worship at that time! The people had forgotten the real purpose of the temple and used it to make money! His direct quote that He used is from Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. Then Jesus follows up with the comment to those who have forgotten and had turned His Father’s house into a den of robbers. The connotation is people who steal and commit burglary.

Let’s examine our own hearts today when it comes to the place of worship we attend. How do we enter our place of worship? Do we look at it as a place of “What can the church do for me today?” :”What can the pastor do for me?” Don’t get me wrong, I understand that there are times in our lives that we need our pastors for personal counsel, guidance, and prayer. But let’s not be so narrowly focused; the church is THE place for prayer and worship to an Almighty God! Let’s try and not come to our place of worship with ulterior motives. Let us approach it as – how can we worship the Lord today in this house? How can we bless others by serving? Worshipping? Come expectantly and lean into blessing the name of the Lord through praise, worship, and prayer to Him. 

This reminds me of the scripture in Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you”. We should approach the house of God and in our own personal walk with the Lord to seek His kingdom first and then “all these things will be added”. God knows what we need, and it is good to pray for those needs, but above all, let us seek Him first. 

Glenn C

 ‘68 / ‘87  Winter Garden FL

Doris Jean H

’44 / ’55 Manheim PA