Last night one of the young ministers at our church preached an amazing sermon about "This Place Matters". He launched it with a picture show of several historical places that have been restored by a group that uses this phrase to advertise their efforts. One of the historical sites is right here in our small town, The Woodward Opera House.
His scriptures references were from 1 Chronicles 29 and 2 Chronicles 29. It shows the difference that 40 years made in the upkeep of the Temple.
The main point was how important do we really feel that church is?? Is it just a place to get together occasionally and see people? Or is it a place we value and love?? Do we attend just out of habit and then when times get tough or busy, we miss services without any problems? Do we teach our children and grandchildren to reverence and love the House of God and His people?
Hezekiah had no problems spending years and fortunes to rebuild the Temple, but when he was facing his country being invaded his first way to raise the tribute money was to strip the silver and gold from the Temple. Hezekiah's son was Manesseh. He was one of the most wicked kings Judah experienced. Could it be that he learned to despise the holiness of the Temple because he watched his father's hot and cold service?
Do we do the same thing? When we face problems (or the church family faces problems) do we start stripping the glory and beauty away from it in front of our families? What kind of heritage are we leaving when we do that?
Lord Jesus, help me to truly value Your House and Your people, not just in my heart, but in the way I teach my children and grandchildren. Help me to leave them a valuable heritage.
Thank you, Paul, for preaching it straight from your heart!
1 comment:
We are in the midst of finding a new church home, and all this gave me food for thought. Thanks!
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