I've been reading through the minor prophets. Much of the prophecy deals with the indictment by God upon His people Israel. What has struck me is that the very same things describe the church of our day--superficial religion, little concern for God, religious practice as an end rather than a means, disdain of the things of God, compartmentalized lives with religion kept in its place, lack of appreciation and even awareness of His amazing grace and love. For example, I was reading this morning in the book of Amos where the prophet expresses the hearts of the people in these words: "When will the new moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may offer wheat for sale."
The picture that comes to mind is people in the Sunday worship service looking at their watches, shifting restlessly in their seats. turning to look at the clock on the back wall so the preacher knows the noon hour has come and it's time to punch the clocks and get out of there. Stomachs are rumbling. The game's almost on. They've put in their time, done their duty.
Where is worship as the highlight of the week, a re-centering on God and His glory, finding refreshment in His grace and love and a renewed commitment to Him in every facet of our lives, every fiber of our being? I know this convicts me personally and it troubles me as a pastor for the well-being of the sheep and impact of the church on the world. What is even more troublesome is that this appears to be symptomatic of the prevalent strain of Christianity with a lack of spiritual depth and godly desire and thorough commitment to Christ.
Pray with me that God pours out His Spirit upon us, to shake us from our slumber and to restore us to the delights of relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, animated by His amazing grace.
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