Yesterday we read about Jesus casting the money changers out of the Temple of God. He was mad! He ran everyone out that was buying and selling in the Temple, he even over turned their cash registers. The people were celling doves to the people in preparation for Passover, which by the way, starts tonight at sundown. This was a very important celebration for the Jewish people, remembering their deliverance out of the terrible bondage and slavery they were under in Egypt. God miracleriously delivered them from the death angel, if they had the blood on the doorpost of their homes. This was the straw that broke the camel's back, so to speak, and the Pharaoh released God's people. Moses lead them out and this is when they crossed the Red Sea, yet another miracle.
In a couple of weeks there is going to be a craft show and lunch at the church to raise money for a mission project. My question, is this right? Anyway, Hubby has made three bird houses he plans to have at the craft show.
The big white one is a replica of the Fayette County Courthouse, the oldest courthouse in Georgia. Our church is in Fayette County, so this should be a really big hit, it's one of a kind, I'm sure. The green house has been painted to look like an antique finish, all cracked and the little Americana house has an American flag painted across the front of it. The roof is covered with dollhouse shingle. This is a wonderful collection of really nice bird houses, but is it right to sell them at the church?
5 comments:
I am by no means a theologian, Tee, but the way I see it is that Jesus was angry because the temple had become something other than a sacred place of worship and was filled with dishonesty and corruption. I don't know about back then, but most modern day churches have a sanctuary area that we would never consider turning into craft fair space. However, they also have dining halls, meeting rooms, and recreation areas that are meant for social functions and I feel that a craft fair to raise funds for the church is a good thing - it gets members involved in something positive, gives them a chance to display their handiwork and makes for a great time of fellowship. Church bakesales and craft fairs have long been a tradition where I grew up and also around here. To me, anytime people work together for a positive purpose, it's a good thing. I'll be curious to see if others disagree with me. I love these birdhouses - they're adorable!!
And again, the prize goes to Kerry Lancaster!! Well done Kezza, you're the man. Those wee birdhouses are out of this world. You've done a great thing and what I like is that your best handiwork is put forward to raise funds for 'the kingdom of God', missions is what its all about. Know God and make Him known.
Tee, the heart of the persons raising funds are Kingdom People like you and Kerry....and I have no doubt at all this craft fair will be taking place in the sanctuary either...its not the place for a fair there and you have the right heart with the right place I'm sure to be involved in a money making venture and that is for missions.
Congrats to you both. God I'm sure is pleased with your skills as well as with your hearts....I'm proud of you both.
I agree with Josie. The sale to support a mission is a far cry from the money changers in the temple. I really like those birdhouses, too.
Hope your Easter is a day of peace and wonder.
Hey! I sent your response left on my blog to Jay and Pam.
When we were in Israel we saw money changers just outside the Western Wall, only they were changing money from one currency to another so that tourists could buy souvenirs instead of pigeons and goats. Some things never change!
I suppose that anybody who operates a dishonest commercial activity is one of "a den of thieves". And equally I suppose that anybody who operates an honest commercial activity is not. One minister I know, who is very serious about our duties to animals, says Jesus may have been influenced by the fact that innocent animals were being sacrificed. I think this is a far out interpretation. In London several churches with areas around the church itself let them out for stalls etc to help pay for church upkeep. I can't see anything wrong in that.
Celia
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