SOUTH RWENZORI DIOCESE
MARCH 23, 2008
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SOUTH RWENZORI DIOCESE
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Easter time reminds us of God's love for mankind, His desire to restore communion and relationship between us and Himself. This communion and communication is largely practiced through worship. It is our duty as Christians to worship God in sincerity and truth.
On His triumphal trip to Jerusalem, our Lord Jesus performed duties of cleansing the place of worship - the temple - by abolishing currency trade in the temple; He overturned the tables of money changers and described them as "robbers" who were damaging the purpose for which His Father's house was built; that purpose was for people to use it as a place or worship.
The driving out of doves, sheep and goats was an act of purifying worship in His Father's house. The ineffective animal sacrifices and their blood were no longer necessary objects for removal of sins from worshipers. They will now be replaced with the pure and perfect Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, from Nazareth (Matt 21:1-17).
Just like a good family house will provide a meeting space for children and their parents to share a family meal together, a temple is the meeting place for worshipers and their God. Worshipers enjoy the presence of God, His grace, blessings, forgiveness, and holiness. They are transformed and go home changed.
"The blind and the lame came to Jesus at the temple, and He healed them." (verse 14). What a week this Holy Week was!! Jesus, after cleansing the temple, purifying worship in it, now opens its doors to sinners to flock in and have fellowship with God. These are persons perceived as chronically unclean. They now enter the Holy place for the first time ever. Jesus unpacked God's grace and forgiveness, pours it over on them, and heals them. He must remain true to what He said, "For the Son of Man came to seek and save what was lost (Luke 19:9). A new era has dawned.
Our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, made it clear to the priests, Sadduces, and elders of the temple that they were missing out on God's grace unless they believed in Him. "I tell you the truth, the tax collectors ad prostitutes are entering the Kingdom of God ahead of you..." (verses 31 and 32).
As the new temple of the risen Spirit of Jesus Christ, we need to step out of our circles of complacency and spiritual self-satisfaction and place our feet in the Grace of God by renewing our relationship with the risen Savior, Jesus Christ. At His resurrection, Jesus launched not just Christian faith and church, but a new life for believers to live -- eternal life. "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).
Let us remember to pray for presidents of all nations, commending them, their leadership, and people to guidance and blessings of our risen Lord - the King of Kings. That they may seek God's honor and glory as they serve. May the gracious God make them ever mindful of their calling to serve His people with love, and the compassion that was demonstrated on the cross.
Happy and blessed Easter
+Jackson Nzerebende Tembo
Bishop
South Rwenzori Diocese