We
will be considering the 8th commandment against stealing in our
sermon this morning. When Jesus comes to Jerusalem the week of His death, He
finds thieves in the temple. Worse than food prices in airports, the
price-gouging priests took advantage of the faithful people seeking to fulfill
the law in bringing right sacrifices at God’s appointed times. Ezekiel
condemned shepherds who fleeced the sheep, instead of feeding them. They made
it hard for Gentiles to worship, next to the clamor of marketing goods. They
provoked resentment in worshipers trying to approach God. Instead of being good
stewards of God’s house, they became tyrants sucking every coin they could from
their fellow servants. This is a warning to every church leader, but also to
each individual: do not take and grasp for yourself. Give to your neighbor and trust
God for your own provision.
3/4/12
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