Clear the Way
In 1739, John Wesley barred from preaching in many churches in England. Why? Because church leaders were more concerned with order and tradition than with helping ordinary people hear the gospel. Instead of giving up, Wesley took to the fields, preaching in open air so that coal miners and farmers could encounter Christ. The barriers the church created did not stop him from inviting people to worship God. Wesley’s example reminds us that anything that keeps people away from God’s presence or excludes them from His love becomes a hindrance to true worship. Like Wesley, we must remove what blocks others from experiencing God’s goodness.
Scripture Overview
During the Passover festival, people filled the temple in Jerusalem. In the outer courts—the only place Gentiles (non-Jews) could pray—money changers and animal sellers had set up shop. Their business turned worship into a marketplace. When Jesus entered, He was filled with zeal for His Father’s house. He overturned the tables and drove out the merchants, declaring, “Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” His anger wasn’t about animals or coins but about the barriers placed in front of people who longed to worship. Jesus made it clear: God’s house is for prayer and praise, not profit. Worship should glorify God and help others draw near, never push them away.
Things to Ponder
What are some barriers that might keep people today from worshiping freely in our churches?
Have you ever noticed something in church that seemed more about convenience or comfort than about glorifying God?
How might we, even without meaning to, make someone feel unwelcome in worship?
What would it look like for us to help create an open space where others can glorify God and feel His love?
Application Challenge
This week, consider: what “tables” might Jesus want us to overturn: attitudes, habits, or routines that block worship. It could be selfishness, complaining, or even holding too tightly to traditions that keep others at arm’s length.
Ask yourself: Could God be using me to make worship more welcoming? Maybe it’s greeting someone new, singing wholeheartedly, or letting go of distractions during church. Every small act of making space for God and for others becomes a way of saying, “I want to glorify God and love people.”
Prayer Prompt
Lord, thank You for reminding us that worship is about Your glory and about loving people. Help us to notice anything in our lives or our church that gets in the way of others seeing You clearly. Give us courage to remove barriers and hearts that welcome others into Your presence. May our worship honor You and bless those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
