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The 10-Count Won’t Do

Matthew 5:17-21

Wonder what would happen if there were only one place to go for worship?

No denominational options. No diversity of worship styles. No specific preacher personalities. No distinction in facilities. Just one, one place to go to worship. The reality is, probably few of these other things would matter. What WOULD matter is what to do when you find yourself at odds with one or more others who also have only one place to go for worship. Perhaps you could attend services at a different hour. Or maybe you could relocate your chosen seat to the other side of the room. Maybe you could just arrive after the singing has progressed and slip out during the benediction. Or maybe you could find a small group bible study and make THAT your obedience to the “not forsaking the assembling” expectation. The truth is, IF there was only one place to go for worship, relationships would be critical!

Jesus tells His fully devoted followers and those eavesdropping on His instruction, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and THEN come and offer your gift.”—Matthew 5:23-24 Fix it, then come back to worship.

We assume that we have multiple choices on where and when we worship, so if things go south in our relationships, we simply steer our coach into another parking lot. We find another option. We join the “shuffle of the saints” club. We simply walk away and ignore the breach. We convince ourselves that we have MANY choices for where we can worship.

Those who were listening to Jesus thought of only one place to go for worship and they thought of those who would be arriving there with them. Fractured relationships were certainly going to be a hindrance to vertical adoration, so Jesus told them to fix their stuff and then come bow before Him. He doesn’t want the offering if He doesn’t get the whole heart.

The reality is this: There IS only one place to go for worship. That place is the presence of God and He doesn’t want us there until can come peacefully with others who will worship Him there. Maybe it’s time to “fix your stuff” then come and worship Him!

See you Sunday, Church!

Pastor Tom