Oh, Jerusalem, the city that kills prophets and stones those who are sent to it! I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers its chicks, but you were unwilling. (Matthew 23:37)
Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, and that a riot was developing. He called for water and washed his hands in the sight of all the people, saying, "I am not responsible for this murder; you must answer for it." And all the people answered, "The responsibility for killing Him will rest on us, and on our children." (Matthew 27:24-25)
This past Sunday, Pastor Sam shared with us that the Pharisees went through a series of self-condemning actions. First, they were insensitive and did not recognize that the Triumphal Entry was a kairos moment of uninhibited worship. Second, the Pharisees added to their "worship-insensitive" mode by asking Jesus to tell His disciples to stop worshiping Him. Third, the Pharisees persuaded the people a few days later to condemn Jesus to die and to request that the notorious criminal Barabbas be returned to their city streets.
Amazingly, the Pharisees persuaded the vast majority of the crowd to reject Jesus the Christ and condemn themselves. And perhaps we would like to think that we are immune to acting in opposition to the love and grace and power of God: we would never quench a worship fire...
But what of the complaints of our hearts? They sing too loud. They worship too long. Why is he crying? Is this a second offering?
Good Friday, 2013. We except another capacity crowd; little Bronx Bethany bursting at the seams. In a crowd this large, there might be worshipers controlled by the Holy Spirit of God, and worshipers controlled by people. Or Pharisees. Or protocol.
Who controls your worship of the King today?
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