March 29, 2012

Opening Hymn:

Oh Master Let Me Walk with Thee (Red Hymnal 430)

Scripture Reading:
Mark 11:11, 15-18

Message: Don’t Sin In God’s Temple
How many things have been done in God’s name that God would be upset about? In this scripture one such thing is being done. In the temple of the Lord they are robbing people by making them exchange money to buy things in the temple. The temple is supposed to be a place of worship and showing obedience to God; however, the religious leaders have turned it into another way to make money.

We live in a sinful world. Wars are fought in God’s name. People with religious power may abuse their power with sin. This is what Jesus is standing against. He is instead standing for peace and love for all mankind. His angry outburst at the temple didn’t make much sense to me while I was growing up. I was surprised to see Jesus get upset at all, when He normally is speaking calmly with parables. However, if one recognizes that they were sinning in His Father’s name… it makes so much more sense why He would be so upset. It also helps us recognize that their behavior needs to be corrected.

People need to be shown what to do and what not to do. Jesus was our living example for how we should live. During this passage Jesus knows that His time is drawing short and many people still don’t understand His teaching.  The religious leaders must have had a sense that what they were doing was wrong, but went along with it because of the money or the pressure from the other religious leaders. At this point Jesus is probably wishing He had more time to teach and to discipline. There are so many things that are wrong with the world, and will continue to go wrong… but He was only granted so much time to spend here with us.

He taught us as much as He could before He was taken back to His Father’s home. Now it is our turn to remember His teachings, and to follow his ways. We should share His love with others, and teach so that cruel deeds are not done in His name. He is our God, and Jesus is our savior… things that reflect God’s nature are love, compassion, and selflessness. Let us strive to give back in these ways to the world.  

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, thank You for Your example of love. Help us to remember how to live and how not to live. Give us the courage to teach others how You would have us live. Let us never forget Your love, sacrifice, and lessons. Continue to guide us with Your Word and Your presence. Amen

The Lord’s Prayer

Closing Hymn
Oh Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go (Red Hymnal 480)

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.

Go in peace, serve the Lord
Thanks be to God