The debate continues. Is church the place to discuss “politics”? That seems to be the big divide presently in the church. Trying to keep a congregation informed has cost me dearly over the last 18 months. I have always wrestled with what the Holy Spirit would have me share or not share. In reality, most miss is the fact that we have been in World War III over the last 2 years. There has been an immense battle between light and darkness that is still raging. Like in all wars, strategies and plans change because of unforeseen circumstances. Misinformation is often released to expose the enemies plans. I remember having a discussion with my brother-in-law a few years ago just before he retired from the Navy. He retired as a 2-star Admiral. He told me that the next world war would be largely unconventional, not fought on battlefields but fought in cyber-space and various infrastructures. He couldn’t have been more prophetic. So, what should be the church involvement? Jesus gives us a little hint of His expectations in Matthew 21:13 (ESV), Jesus said this about His Father’s house…
“13 He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you make it a den of robbers.”
The Gospel of Mark defines what Jesus said a little more fully in 11:17 (ESV)
“And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”
The Greek word for “nations” is “ethnos” which is defined as follows; (from ethō, "forming a custom, culture") – properly, people joined by practicing similar customs or common culture; nation(s), usually referring to unbelieving Gentiles (non-Jews).
Both Matthew 21:13 and Mark 11:17 are a fulfillment of what Isaiah said in Is. 56:7 (ESV)
“these I will bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer;
their burnt offerings and their sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all peoples.”
Once again, the word for “peoples” in Hebrew is the word ”עַם” or “am” and can also be translated as “nations”
Rees Howell, a famous intercessor of the 20th Century said this as God challenged Him to pray for the ultimate defeat of the Nazi 3rd Reich.
“The world became our parish and we were led to be responsible to intercede for countries and nations.” –Rees Howells
(Grubb 273)
On December 26, 1934 Rees Howells received a vision from the Holy Spirit in the middle of the night. It was 3am, and the Lord began to call him into faith for world evangelization and the completion of the Great Commission.
Rees was an intercessor with powerful testimonies of answered prayer, so he took this very seriously. He knew it would naturally require him to take direct responsibility to see it come to pass. His burden of prayer shifted from local concerns to that of national and international focus. Rees became a man with a world vision—the “Every Creature Vision” as Jesus gave His disciples in Mark 16:15.
Where are the “Rees Howells” for today? The church is mostly asleep and more concerned about comfort and anointings. Definitely not about what God desires. Is it possible that we are as guilty today as the religious leaders in Jesus’ day? Jesus describes their worship as being a “den of robbers”.
The Greek word for robbers is the word λῃστής or “lestes” – a thief ("robber"), stealing out in the open (typically with violence). /lēstḗs ("a bandit, briard") is a thief who also plunders and pillages – an unscrupulous marauder (malefactor), exploiting the vulnerable without hesitating to use violence.
We’ve made worship about “us” and what “I’m getting out of church” and not what Jesus intended it to be. Our gatherings should be for Him and to worship Him. In other words, engaging in on what is on God’s heart. Perhaps we rob God in more ways than just our money.
Malachi 4:8-12 (ESV).
“Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed you?’ In your tithes and contributions. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.”
Today’s “Give Him 15” by Dutch Sheets has given me great comfort and encouragement and I believe great alignment to the church. I provide the link for your consideration. Enjoy
“Oh Lord, forgive us for what we’ve done to your church. Bring us back into alignment of worshipping you and praying for our nations as You intended it to be.”