Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:23-24
Seed Basket is beginning a new series today. Actually, the idea for this blog came from a current Seed Basket series.
If you have been following Seed Basket’s series, Ten, you know we discussed the fourth commandment yesterday. If you missed it, here is the link.
We learned that the word remember holds deep significance for believers. It is a watchword from God and should command our attention as we read scripture.
God’s story is filled with many great watchwords: words that grab your attention. One of those words is “remember.”
Remember, which appears over 170 times regarding His promises, also reminds of His holiness and His wish for unity among us, His Son, and the Spirit.
But the word is also used in a different context. We see more examples in verses calling believers to remember to follow God’s commands.
By obeying God’s moral law, believers can lead a more victorious life of faith, especially when facing trials and temptations.
So, with that, today’s look at the word remember comes from a lesson that Jesus taught us. And actually, it is a perfect complement to yesterday’s look at the fourth commandment.
You see, when we go to church, we need to think of it in much different terms than many people do. We need to do what the fourth commandment says in the first place.
Do you recall the first word from Exodus 20:8?
Of course—Remember!
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it Holy.
So instead of going to church (a building), we are going to Church (the Body of Christ). We are joining with fellow believers to worship God, hopefully with reverence and holiness.
But this is life. Sunday mornings are notorious for being filled with baggage. You know exactly what I mean. Just normal daily stuff. We are sluggish, sometimes a little grouchy or dealing with family angst and the clock is always ticking.
Then we have to add to all of that what may be lurking in our hearts. Sin left unattended.
Do we bring that to Church? (Matthew 11:28-30; Psalm 51)
Do you know that the gift you are bringing to the Church is not just a tithe? You are bringing a gift of obedience and worship.
Well, first of all, the Spirit is always there to help you address sin problems. He will never push you away.
But the key verse is addressing something very specific. Jesus called it urgent.
Is there someone in your life who is a fellow believer that you know has a problem with you?
Notice: It does not say that you have a problem with a brother. It says that a brother has a problem with you.
Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother and then come and offer your gift.
Matthew 5:23-24
Think a little deeper:
What if you were enjoying your Saturday evening and starting to think about Sunday Church? You know your routine and the preparations needed. Most people just need to make a plan.
And then, deep in your heart, you feel a tug that becomes annoying. You realize the Holy Spirit is trying to get your attention about unkind words or deeds.
You feel you’ve done nothing wrong—maybe someone holds an unmerciful grudge.
But you obey the Spirit. You pick up the phone. You take the first step. You honor the Lord with the incense of your obedience.
And now, no matter what the outcome, you can bring your offering of worship to the House of God this Sunday.
A pure heart is what the Savior desires. (1 Timothy 1:5)
Not a Sunday ritual.
- Do you suppose the Holy Spirit would be the One who would bring such a thought to your mind?
- Do you see how the Holy Spirit helps us grow?
- He helps us see our sin and see our need for restoration.
- He knows how to help us have peace with one another.
- He helps us know how to find peace with God.
Share the Good News in your world!
Isaiah 52:7
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Getting the Seed out of the basket and into hungry hearts. Matthew 13 