When Worship is in Disrepair
Jesus left the temple and was walking away when His disciples came up to Him to call His attention to its buildings. “Do you see all these things?” He asked. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Matthew 24:1-2)
Jesus found religion outrageous. He was dying to replace it. He book-ended His earthly ministry with two temple cleansing incidents. (John 2:12-22 & Luke 19:45-46) His intent was to destroy the temple and re-build it in three days.
Jesus knew the necessity to break with tribal traditions.
He turned the temple from being a 'house' to being a 'heart'.
Worship would no longer be external, but internal.
- Religion is what is left when God leaves the room. ~ Bono
- Ritual acts are the undoing of authentic religion. ~ Brennan Manning
- Religious performance is as hollow as death is long. ~ Michael Cartwright
- While ever the carnal rules the spiritual, ritual remains unchallenged. ~ Michael Cartwright
- The Groom looks for attention, but the Bride only offers activity. ~ Michael Cartwright
- Jesus died for relationship, not ritual. ~ Michael Cartwright
So - how does Jesus repair worship? He changes the wine served. It is the best wine He leaves until last.
Jesus' new wine is to replace ceremony with celebration. ~ Michael Cartwright
Today's Soul Snippet:
'If your church shows you law while your heart screams for love, you are in a court not a church.' ~ Michael Cartwright