By Max Lucado
The Privilege of Worship
When religion is used for profit and prestige, people are exploited and God is infuriated.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem the first day of Passover week, Matthew 21:12 and 13 says, “He went into the temple and threw out all the people who were buying and selling there. He turned over the tables of those who were exchanging different kinds of money, and he upset the benches of those who were selling doves. Jesus said to all the people there, ‘It is written in the Scriptures, “My temple will be called a house for prayer.” But you are changing it into a “hideout for robbers.”’”
Hucksters. Faith peddlers. People making a franchise out of the faith. This was not a temper tantrum. It was an intentional message: “Cash in on my people and you’ve got me to answer to.” You see, God will never hold guiltless those who exploit the privilege of worship.
Most Incredible Invitation
Invitations are special. To be invited is to be honored—to be held in high esteem!
The most incredible invitations aren’t found in envelopes, they’re found in the Bible. God invited Eve to marry Adam, the animals to enter the ark, David to be the king, Israel to leave bondage, and Mary to give birth to his son.
“Come,” he invited. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they can be white as snow. Come to me all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest.” “Come,” he would say.
You see, God is the King who invites us to come. Who prepares the palace and sets the table and invites his subjects to come in. His invitation for you, however, is not just for a meal – it’s for life!
