Sunday, March 5
First
Scripture: Numbers 9-10, Matthew 5
Matthew 5:23–24 So then, if you bring your gift to the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother and then come and present your gift.
Observation
We are to live God-first lives. And yet Jesus gives an “exception.” If you come to worship (“bring your gift to the altar”) and there remember that your brother has something against you, first go and be reconciled to your brother and then come back to worship.
What could be more important than worshiping God? Being reconciled to your brother. Do that first. Then come worship. God isn’t interested in receiving our worship if we have unreconciled relationships, if we’re harboring anger, bitterness, unforgiveness. First go and be reconciled; then come worship.
Application
Of course I can think of so many people this applies to! But as always, it starts with me. Who has something against me? A couple people jump to mind. I need to seek them out and see if we can reconcile. Of course, there are no guarantees that they will reconcile; but it’s on me to make the effort, to go.
Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.
As far as it depends on me…I want to live at peace with others. So first, go. Move toward others to reconcile.
Prayer: Lord, I love you and I’m on way to church this morning to worship you. I know that you want me to reconcile with those who are upset with me. Help me do that. I’m not looking forward to it, but I’ll do it.