TRAMPLING GOD'S COURTS


You're about to get messed with...

When you read what's to follow you'll likely have one of two responses. You'll either get mad because you think I'm directing some sort of judgement your way. Or, you'll get prideful because you think what I'm saying is meant for someone other than you. Either way -- as I said -- you're about to get messed with. Let's be clear here --- the following words are those of Isaiah. If you have a problem with how they effect you it won't be between you and me. It'll be between you and the Lord.

"When you come before me, whoever gave you the idea of acting like this, Running here and there, doing this and that — all this sheer commotion in the place provided for worship (this trampling of my courts / NASB)? "Quit your worship charades. I can't stand your trivial religious games: Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings — meetings, meetings, meetings—I can't stand one more! Meetings for this, meetings for that. I hate them! You've worn me out! I'm sick of your religion, religion, religion, while you go right on sinning. When you put on your next prayer-performance, I'll be looking the other way. No matter how long or loud or often you pray, I'll not be listening. And do you know why? Because you've been tearing people to pieces, and your hands are bloody. Go home and wash up. Clean up your act. Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings so I don't have to look at them any longer. Say no to wrong. Learn to do good. Work for justice. Help the down-and-out. Stand up for the homeless. Go to bat for the defenseless." (Isa.1:12-17 / The Message Bible)

The prophet is identifing a problem in the church house. Really, there are several problem(s) mentioned. Generally they all have to do with the misfocused energy taking place when believers are gathered together to meet with their God in corporate worship. In it's context, what's being addressed isn't individual sin as such. The target is much broader than that striking directly at the heart of the congregation. This is not a personal afront. Rather, it's a church-wide-confrontation. Too much distraction is taking place at a time when encounting the manifest presence of the Lord is supposed to be the priority.

I'm just mentioning all this so that you'll give some consideration to how it might apply to your local fellowship. Perhaps none of this is a problem in your church. However, if it is, the way to correct it is clearly laid out in these six phrases: Say no to wrong; learn to do good; work for justice; help the down-and-out; stand up for the homeless; and go to bat for the defenseless.

Selah...