Jesus said…..

I’d like to quote a scripture. Matthew 22:37. “Jesus said…” That’s all I’d like to quote of it. Do we need the rest? Do we understand what we just read? I mean, really? We have the words spoken by Jesus, the Christ. The Holy One. I think  sometimes we read too fast. We see too fast. We hear too fast. We miss things. Important things. Like, “Jesus said”. We have the incredible privilege of the documented words of Jesus. I want to extend my deepest appreciation to everyone who made that possible. The Apostles. The scribes. Those who made copies. Those who made sure the words were not destroyed or lost over the last 2,000 years. Thank you. Thank you so very much. And now, another thought about those words. I think the reason we overlook the significance of them, is that God has lost His significance in our own lives. Oh He is there with us. We are aware of Him. We even pray, worship, think about and consider His teachings in our every day living. But God has gotten diminished, not in reality, but in our minds and hearts. We do not burn when He speaks. We do not melt when we sense His presence. We go about our business, as normal. But what we have is far beyond normal. The Living Risen Lord is among us. If that doesn’t distract you from laundry and what’s on TV for even a moment, why not? How can we possibly be nonchalant about that? Where is the fear? Where is the Awe? I can almost (almost) excuse it to our surroundings at work, school, the store, etc. But we have lost it as well gathered at church. Our buildings do not reflect the respect and glory He deserves. Our conversations generate much more small talk than deep thought. Our attention to the needs of those around us do not reflect the One who sacrificed all. He is Great and Mighty. But you wouldn’t always know it in the Altar we build or the Song we sing. If you know me, you know I am a huge promoter of simplicity. But when it comes to worship, it ought not be the case. And I’m not talking about great grand productions of worship. I’m talking about  great grand respect and reverence. I think the “modern church” has in a sense lost it’s way, and needs to learn a lesson from the church of old. Worship is not a casual encounter with a buddy. It’s reverent fear of the Creator. Worship is not about fanning a flame in our heart to keep us warm and comfortable. It’s about falling on our face,  in profound awe, before the Consuming Fire. I admit an honest frustration. I look for it in the church, and see much too much complacency. But when I look at those who we would consider “religious”. Those who sing sacred hymns with passion. Who in meditative silence reveal their respect. Who gather before elaborate altars, made not to be showy, but to demonstrate to all the AWE due Him who made all. I think the “modern church” needs a lesson in adoration. When we lose sight of who God truly is, we will treat His things with less than deserved honor. “Jesus said…” ….wow….I mean,…WOW…..need I say more?

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