Read, again: Matthew 6:1-18
We sense Jesus’ disdain for “theatrical righteousness” (Dale Bruner) or the “pious performances” (that’s my description) of the religious leaders of his day. Their giving, praying and fasting were all designed to impress others; none of it impressed God.
Jesus wants his followers to “keep it real,” to be authentic. I’m sure you recognize that this presents a special challenge in planning and implementing a virtual worship experience: Virtual means, or at least suggests, “not real.” Some may even question whether authentic, God-glorifying virtual worship is even possible?
I believe it is. God’s Older Testament people discovered in Babylonian exile that could have an encounter with the living God of the whole earth even after the Temple was destroyed and they were far away from the Holy Land. We are rediscovering that we can glorify God in our family rooms even when were prevented from doing on-site worship at 961 Temple SE.
The real test of whether our worship – on-site or online – is genuine is whether it leads to changed lives, a more passionate pursuit of justice, a deeper experience of the reconciling power of the cross of Christ. If it does not help produce a beloved and even-enemy-loving community, intent on removing lust from our hearts and racism from our systems, boldly confronting male dominance, sexism and any form of human degradation… then we’re better off not worshiping at all.
Amos said it most directly, and I believe Jesus embodied the spirit of Amos’ strong words in this section of the Sermon on the Mount:
“I hate, I despise your religious festivals;
your assemblies are a stench to me.
Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings,
I will not accept them.
Though you bring choice fellowship offerings,
I will have no regard for them.
Away with the noise of your songs!
I will not listen to the music of your harps.
But let justice roll on like a river,
and righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (5:21-24)
Amen. Let it be so.
