Here is the command of the Lord God Most High, “Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy.” One might think that this is a ridiculous command because for sure, everyone will clamp and shout because they have joy in the Lord. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit. (Galatians 5)
Yet, people who say they believe in God and in Jesus Christ, his Son stand in a church (when they attend it) like stone and bronze statues as music plays. Their minds are filled with plans for the day’s sports events, meals, and celebrations. Later in the day when their team scores points and beats their opponent they are filled with joy and shout. They talk about it all week long and every Sunday preach about their team with enthusiasm. Then once again they are a Sunday statue when praise is song. Not even the command of the Lord God Most High will cause the stiff arms of the hard-hearted to clap.
Jesus’ words are still true, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men.'” (Mark 7:6-7) Examine the heart to see what is my problem. This has eternal implications. If the heart is far now, then it will be an infinity away after the day of judgment.
