In context we know that this was when Jesus came into the temple to cleanse it. His indignation was directed toward those who had changed the character of the temple from a place of prayer into a place of corrupt commercialism. The Temple was to be a place of worship, quiet meditation, contemplation, praise, and devotion, a place where God's people could draw close to Him in worship, sacrifice, offerings and could seek His will and blessing.
I don't think that has changed for us in the New Testament. Yet how often do we gather together and fail to worship our heavenly Father? When was the last time you came to church and prayed without being lead by someone else? When was the last time you came early or stayed late to pray and worship the King of kings? When was the last time you bent your knee at an altar to pray for a lost loved one? When was the last time you came to church and lifted up your hands in prayer and adoration to the Lord of lords? When was the last time you came to church and you prayed for God to work in your heart and mind to see the holiness of God? When was the last time you came and prayed that God through His Word and Spirit would speak to you?
Most of us don't pray and we gather together, maybe not for commercialism but what about consumerism? We come to see what we can "get" from the preacher. Can he bless me? Will he make me laugh, or cry or stroke my emotions? Do they have the right kind of music? What kind of ministries do they have for my kids? Do they have a sports program? How about a singing group for my little one?
I believe with all my heart that we gather together for Him! Our gathering together in worship is to give honor and praise to the One that is worthy of all our praise, honor and attention. I would submit to that if we would come to worship service in an attitude of prayer and worship we would see Him and His holiness. In seeing His holiness, we would see our sin and we would fall on our faces before Him.
The problem is we have not stood before "the throne high and lifted up" (Isa. 6:1) never "come unto Mt Zion, and unto the city of the living God, and heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels" (Heb. 12:22).
Nope. When we go to the Church, we are looking to get the most bang for our buck. Prayer and praise is stifled; worship is dead. And we'll stay for awhile or at least until we can find a better show or where we can get a little more for our money. Oh yea, we really aren't doing that either.
God help us to pray! May we be known as a people on bended knee, coming frequently and reverently before our King, Master, and Lord.
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