Isaiah 56:6,7; Jeremiah 7:9-11; Mark 11:15-19

God among His people then:

God wanted to meet with His people, not just on a once-in-a-while basis but often, frequently. In fact, He wanted to dwell among them. He wanted to have His own place in their midst. So He began by living in the tabernacle. Once their journeyings were done and they had become established in the Promised Land within secure borders and under a strong king, He allowed Solomon to build the magnificent temple.

Alas, His people ceased from following after Him with their whole hearts. Before long, they indulged in a life that disregarded their covenant with God. God’s people “transgressed very much after all the abominations of the heathen; and polluted the house of the LORD which he had hallowed in Jerusalem” (2 Chronicles 36:14).

I wonder if we at all pause to consider the temple of God among His present-day people. Is it possible that we too are guilty of transgressing after the abominations of the heathen, of polluting the house of God which He has made holy?

Read the rest: Building a House for God

Now, God is within His people. Let’s not pollute His temple! Continue reading →

Introductions to two Sunday School lessons for March 30, 2014

First, some introductory thoughts pertaining to the International Sunday School Lesson:

Triumphant and Victorious
Zechariah 9:9,10; Matthew 21:1-11

For some three years the disciples and other followers of Jesus had awaited this day. Now it had arrived! Jesus would at last take His rightful place as King of a reinvigorated Israel. The Lord finally had quit trying to hide His Kingship. The time of His revelation had arrived with high drama. Jesus was using a donkey to fulfill a most wonderful prophecy.

Exciting? Exhilarating and electrifying were more like it! What a thrill to recite Zechariah 9:9 with the multitude that day…

And here’s my introduction for the lesson from Christian Light Publications: Continue reading →