Words by our Priest-in-Charge:
The King is in the House
The blind and the lame came to him at the temple, and he healed them. But when the chief priests and the teachers of the law saw the wonderful things he did and the children shouting in the temple courts, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were indignant. “Do you hear what these children are saying?” they asked him. “Yes,” replied Jesus, “have you never read,” ‘From the lips of children and infants you, Lord, have called forth your praise’?” Matthew 21:14-16
In the last few days, my wife and I visited some of the oldest Cathedrals and church buildings in England. Beside the impressive architecture, it was quite remarkable to see the details the builders put into those church buildings, as an expression of their devotion to God and their worship. God was obviously a big “thing” in the lives of the people who lived then. For anyone who spent so much time, money, energy, talents perhaps, even sacrifices into such magnificent buildings, God must be so real in their lives. The music that was composed, choirs to lead in worship, etc, etc. We had a glimpse of the depth of spirituality of the Christians hundreds of years ago.
Buildings, even music and songs, though tangible expression of worship to God, are never in themselves, evidence of intimate relationship with the living God. The Pharisees and the teachers of the law in Jesus’ days were learned theologians and religious leaders. They were called the shepherds of Israel. Their role is to lead the people into worship of the true God. It is difficult or rather, an impossible task to carry out if they themselves did not know this God personally. They were not able to recognize the living Word when Jesus was in their midst. When God’s presence is with His people, the work of Satan is exposed and destroyed. There is healing, liberation and restoration, and all these invite worship of God.
Jesus was present in the House of God around the time before He was tried and crucified. There was clear evidence of the presence of the living God. The children (or young people) recognized that through the life changing miracles Jesus brought about and they worshiped God. Jesus is in the “House” today. Do you recognize that? Look around you this morning in God’s House. Do you see lives that have been miraculously and powerfully touched and changed? Look into you own lives. Do you recognize the hands and grace of God in your lives? Use every bit of what you have to express your worship to Him who is so real to you. If however, you are still waiting to encounter God in your lives, ask of Him today. He does not want you to have anything less than His presence in your lives.
The King is in the House. Come, let us worship and adore Him!