Getting the House Ready

This morning as I went through my emails, I was inundated by people wanting to help. People (and ministries) trying to help me and Crossroads do church better. Join this webinar on streaming online, or this one with the State of PA Covid-19 Task Force, or this one with a group of pastors from NEPA. and those are only 3 of 27 emails offering services and helps. Some free, some free now but costly in the future.

As much as I appreciate everyone's willingness to help this little church in Lancaster, PA reach beyond the social distancing and isolation that we are still trying to get used to - i was left feeling just a little overwhelmed by all the chatter - on top of the ordinary chatter of the day's news.

Matthew 21 (read it here) begins with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem at the beginning of what we traditionally call Holy Week. In the middle of this, Jesus takes a side trip to the temple. Most of us are familiar with the story - that as Jesus came to the temple, there was a lot of noise, commotion, and commerce taking place in the temple - and very little that resembled Worship. In a display of His Holy Anger and indignation over this pursuit of earthly treasure in a holy place - Jesus Cleaned out the Clutter. Jesus overturned tables and chairs and threw out all that were buying and selling (Mark 11:15-19).

"It is written, my house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves!"

And with one statement, Jesus reminds the listeners - and us the readers - that the right focus for our lives is a Focus on Prayer. Whether it is stopping at 10:00 AM everyday with my friends at Water Street Mission or Noon via Skype/Zoom with my family at Crossroads - the right place to be and spend time is on our knees before a Holy God, interceding for one another and for our city, county, and nation.

Something I never noticed about this passage before was the result. What happened in the temple as a result of Jesus clearing it and making that declaration? The blind and the lame came to Him in the temple, and He healed them.

See, when we Clean out the clutter, and Focus on Prayer, then opportunities for Ministry will come to you. We will not have to go looking, opportunities to serve others will find us. People are looking for hope in the midst of confusion - when you are dialed in to Jesus through prayer, then people will see the Real Hope Dealer in you.

So Crossroads Family and No Collars or Cassocks followers - the challenge and encouragement for you today is:

• What is the Clutter that needs to be removed?

• How can you improve your focus on prayer?

• Will you be alert to the opportunities to serve others that will come to see Jesus through you as a result?

Be Blessed!

Rick