For Sunday, February 18, 2024
Mark 12:38 NLT: “Jesus also taught, ‘Beware of these teachers of religious law! For they like to parade around in flowing robes and receive respectful greetings as they walk in the marketplaces.’”
We gather to worship God, not the priest. Now tradition on it’s own isn’t necessarily bad. If the leaders of a church want to wear long robes, fine with me. But if they think they’re special when they wear the garb, they’re off base. Wearing a costume to pray doesn’t get you any closer to Jesus. Furthermore, too much gold in a church leaves me suspect. Those resources could have been used to feed the needy and clothe babies.
As Jesus walked the earth, he wasn’t the least bit pretentious. He was a heaven-sent regular guy. He worked hard, preaching non-stop and healing all who needed healing. He had no permanent home, and no guaranteed next meal. I suspect that he dug in to the work and got his hands dirty. He led the entourage as they walked from town to town. Church was open-air!
It’s important to worship the Lord with all your heart, but it’s not important to do it in a fancy place. It’s good to help your neighbor, but you might get your hands dirty. Hands can be washed, and souls can be forgiven.
Norton Lawellin
Jesus in the City Fellowship
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