Bible reading: Genesis 25-26; Matthew 21:1-22
Memory verse: “And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves” Matthew 21:13 (KJV)
The reason for having a physical place where people gather to worship has not changed. People gather to worship their creator. However, activities going on around and within the premises where people worship calls for a lot of concern if they could distract well meaning worshippers.
The Jewish temple was highly revered as a place of worship to God. When the temple was first built Solomon led the whole assembly of Israel in prayer, noting that the construction of the temple represented a fulfilment of God’s promise to David, dedicating the temple as a place of prayer and reconciliation for the people of Israel and for foreigners living in Israel. As a place of prayer to the one who created all things, utmost care must be taken so as not to disrupt the spiritual activity going on there.
Zeal and love for God, coupled with a good knowledge of the reason for the temple, made Jesus take action. The Bible tells us in Matthew 21:12-13 (KJV), “And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, [13] And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” The reason for the temple or church, as it is called these days is to worship God together as a people. Any other activity that affects the worship of God in its true form in His house is a dishonour to Him.
Let’s be careful with whatever we do in the house of God as this would lead to dishonour to His name and may make it difficult for unbelievers to be converted.
Bro. Worthmore Aghanenu