BIBLE READING: Hebrews 9

Where does God desire to be worshipped? Throughout Jewish history the answer would have been the tabernacle or temple. It was designed by God as a chosen place to make his name and presence dwell (Exodus 25.8-9; 40.34). These places of worship allowed the people to experience the presence of God among them, both for comfort and fear.

But the advent of Jesus altered this form. It was never God’s plan to have a physical place of worship where his presence dwelt, but rather for people to worship him in spirit and truth (John 4.23). Now, our body is the temple of the living God, if we will allow it (1 Corinthians 6.19). Previous forms in worship, from the layout of the structures to the sacrifices, to the need for a high priest to intercede were not only shadows of true worship (Hebrews 8.5) but were efforts to teach the holy nature of God. One could not take their relationship with him lightly or regard sin as a small thing. To approach the presence of God required preparation, penitence, and sacrifice.

To understand proper worship of God today, we must understand these forms. Between God and us there is a separation, not by physical space but in holiness. This gap can only be bridged with purification, intercession, and a sacrificial death. Thankfully Jesus Christ has fulfilled the requirements to meet these needs (Hebrews 9.24-26), but for what purpose? “To appear in the presence of God on our behalf” (Hebrews 9.24b). Without the death of Jesus and his exaltation through the power of his indestructible life (Hebrews 7.16), we would be unable to draw near to God all. His exalted position in heaven is the only reason we can “boldly approach the throne of grace to find help in time of need” (Hebrews 4.16).

Why does this matter? It is not simply the favor of God that we long for the most, but His presence. Our longings for security, comfort and fulfillment are the craving of our spirit to be near God.

We can now worship God in his holy place (Hebrews 10.19). We can boldly approach him in his power to make our requests known (Philippians 4.6). We can find comfort and hope from the One who gives life. But to do so, we prepare our lives in purity and holiness (Romans 12.1-12; 1 Thessalonians 4.3-5). We must feed our souls in spirit and truth (1 Peter 1.22-25). It is the word of God that directs us into the presence of God. It is the surety of his promises that solidify our hope and peace.

God knows what we need, and his desire is for his people to enjoy the blessings of being near him (Psalm 73.23-28; Revelation 21.3). Thanks to Jesus, we can do that now. So, “let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10.22-23).

BIBLE READING: Matthew 28

“[the chief priests and elders] said, “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.” (Matthew 28.13-14)

Forget what ACTUALLY happened. If Jesus came back from the dead, that is the worst possible scenario for these religious leaders (John 11.48). So, that’s not the story many people heard. Imagine the confusion as people tried to reconcile the resurrection story with the message of the religious leaders—one they thought could be trusted. Surely, they weren’t making this up… right?

I don’t need to convince you the same thing happens today. We live in a world riddled with “fake news” as people craft a narrative to serve their purposes. Sadly, even the church is not immune to these things. People will come in as a wolf among sheep, leading people to believe their lies (Matthew 7.15). Hence, the bible calls us to be people of discernment and wisdom (Proverbs 3.21-24; Colossians 2.8; Romans 12.1-2; Hebrews 5.14; 1 John 4.1). This principle must be applied to every area of our lives because…

Not everyone has pure motives. Some people serve their own interests. They are only interested in using people to accomplish their selfish goals. Maybe their agenda seems noble, but their motives will be revealed over time (1 Timothy 5.24-25). We must not be naïve to accept someone simply because of what they claim to know or to be. It is true, we cannot judge the thoughts of someone’s heart, but we can test their words and actions according to God’s word. We must be like the Bereans who didn’t accept Paul at his word – “they searched the scriptures to see if these things were so” (Acts 17.11).

Even the truth can be undermined by someone with authority. For good or bad, people are more willing to accept the word of a leader. Maybe it’s fear. Maybe it’s respect. It appears right to accept what the ‘experts’ say. In any case, their position affords them the opportunity to take advantage of people even when the truth is present. “Do not be deceived” is the constant warning in scripture. Follow where the evidence leads, not where someone tells you to look.

Not everyone has good information. Even people with good hearts don’t always know the truth. Apollos was zealous to teach, but he didn’t have the full story (Acts 18.24-28). Paul was caught up in Jewish tradition before having his life rocked with the truth by Jesus, himself (Acts 9.1-19). We need to follow Luke’s example and search out the truth for ourselves (Luke 1.1-4). It’s easy to accept information that speaks to my point of view; but we need to be mindful of what we’re looking for. In a world that promotes “speaking your truth”, we need to be firmly rooted in honesty, humility, and a commitment to pursuing what is true.

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8.32)

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” (Colossians 2.8, NKJ)

BIBLE READING: Matthew 26

“Then Jesus said to them, “You will all fall away because of me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’” (Matthew 26.31)

In Matthew 26.26-29, Jesus instituted the Lord’s supper. It was an intimate occasion Jesus deliberately chose to spend with his friends. But this meal was not a festive formality. He used this time to say some very direct things to his friends. In fact, just prior to their partaking, he had announced to them that someone would betray him... even looking Judas in eyes and telling him to do his work quickly (John 13.27). 

Jesus knew what was coming. He knew Judas had already made his plans (Matthew 26.14-16). He knew even his closest friends were going to abandon him in this critical moment. Jesus knew all that was coming, and he didn’t keep it a secret. What a convicting thing to have Jesus look you in the eyes and tell you your sin (Matthew 26.25). 

Sandwiched between these two confrontations Jesus sat down to eat with his friends. This context speaks powerfully to what the Lord’s supper memorial should include as we participate each week.

Yes, we are supposed to do this in remembrance of Jesus (Luke 22.19). He was focused, steadfast and immovable even though he knew what was about to happen. But it’s not just about us remembering him; we must also examine ourselves in light of what he did (1 Corinthians 11.28). The Lord’s supper is a time of personal evaluation. We will falter and fail miserably. We too will betray and deny and fall away from Jesus at times.

Jesus already knows that. His word calls us to account, and we are often aware of our failures. But sandwiched in between his words of conviction is this memorial that we participate in. It reminds us that even though he knows our sins and shortcomings, he still went to the cross and suffer for them. Our fellowship with Jesus is in “the light” of this communion (1 John 1.7). While we were enemies of his, dead in our trespasses and sins, he made us alive together with him (Romans 5.6-9). At one point in our lives, we didn’t realize that. The disciples didn’t fully realize it in this moment. But as they did afterwards, we too reflect on the choices Jesus made: to go to the cross to die for us; and it ought to change us.

The Lord’s supper is a necessary and needed remembrance we do each week. It is a time for us to reflect on who we will be in light of what Jesus has done. But we have a choice. Will we respond like Judas and wallow in our sin and shortcomings? Or will we respond like Peter: Weeping bitterly for our sins and choosing to repent and be different?

BIBLE READING: Matthew 13

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.” (Matthew 13.44)

The kingdom of heaven is depicted as something of surpassing value. Somebody put that treasure in the ground because they knew its value and tried to secure and protect it. When discovered, there was no doubt it was worthy of this man’s attention and efforts to get it.

Throughout this chapter Jesus stresses in every possible way that the kingdom of heaven is worth everything that we have. Jesus was constantly confronting people with this truth: You must count the cost and understand there is a trade involved. (Matthew 8.18-ff; 19.16-21; Luke 9.23; 18.18-ff). Calling on people to sacrifice is not popular today. Yet it has always been part of real service and devotion to God. From the time of Cain and Abel man has been called to give up whatever the Lord calls for to serve him.

Do we see the value of the kingdom of heaven? As reasonable as the bible tries to make it, many are blind to the real value of what the kingdom offers. Jesus would quote the prophets: many will have eyes to see and not see; ears to hear and not hear (Matthew 13.15; cf. Isaiah 6.10).

To make faith work you must have this mindset: heaven is worth it all. If you don’t feel that way, you’re going to struggle, plain and simple. Our attitude must be, “here’s the treasure I’ll do whatever it takes to get it.

To accomplish this, we must realize we can’t own every treasure. Jesus says, in effect, you can own a lot of lesser pearls or one great pearl. You can possess a lot of minor things, or you can give them all up for a single field and what is contained there. You can’t have it all. Something had to go. Otherwise, why would this man sell all his stuff? He saw the value and realized what it would take to get it.

We don’t get this because we live in a culture where we can have our cake and eat it. We live in excess, and we think we can have everything we want. But I think this parable is trying to impress on us that this ONE treasure is greater than all things.

It’s an amazing offer but we must understand what happens next. The who found the treasure is no longer looking but owns what he has found. If we have found the value of being citizens of the kingdom, we need to own it. We need to do whatever it takes to own it. We need to let that find be the defining moment of our lives.

“What will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” (Mark 8.36)

BIBLE READING: Zechariah 7-8

“Now the people of Bethel had sent… men to entreat the favor of the LORD, saying… “Should I weep and abstain in the fifth month, as I have done for so many years?”” (Zechariah 7.3)

Israel was trying to get it right this time. They knew Babylonian captivity was a result of their unfaithfulness. They had suffered in destruction and exile. They knew changes need to be made. They knew God would be pleased with nothing less than their devoted obedience.

In their effort to return to God, they reinstated many practices that had been neglected. But, even with previously established patterns, they did not want to presume upon God’s wishes for them. In Zechariah 7, they specifically asked Zechariah if this fast was what the LORD wanted from them (7.3). Ultimately, God tells them yes (8.18-19); but not before he asks them a soul-searching question: were you doing it for me? (7.5)

They had performed this fast for years, even during captivity… but was it really for God? The implication is clear: Their obedience was important; but it could not simply be about going through the motions. The fast should have developed an attitude of mercy and kindness, leading them to serve others in need (Zechariah 7.9-10). Ultimately, God wanted his people to understand the purpose of the fast was not to appease him but to change their hearts desire (7.10b).

God was not trying to pour salt in the wound of their failures; he was trying to position them to do these things properly. Obedience must always be done mindful of the One who had given it to them. The feasts and fasts by themselves were of no value but were always intended to affect the heart of the worshipper.

We can easily do all the right things in our worship but miss the point. Worship is about God. This isn’t to say God is somehow incomplete if we fail to make it about him. He doesn’t need the processes or the sacraments. They are important insofar as they lead to humble obedience as we focus our attention on God. It’s all about him.

If worship does not honor God, it is not worship. If worship is not an obedient response to God, it is not worship. Like these people, we must connect how worship should produce an attitude of righteousness and kindness and mercy towards our fellow man. As we bend our will to honor God, worship changes us because we then see ourselves and the world more clearly.

There is a strong warning for us as a group: We must not only consider how God wants us to worship, but we must constantly be evaluating whether what we offer is honoring God. If we put too much confidence in our righteous actions, we may become like the Pharisees and think more of ourselves then we should. If we become flippant in our worship, we disrespect his worthiness. In every act of worship, we must ask ourselves, “is it for God?”