No More Den of Thieves
Jesus went to Jerusalem. He went into the temple area. Jesus
began to throw out the people that were buying and selling
things there. Jesus turned over the tables that belonged to
the people that were exchanging different kinds of money. And
Jesus turned over the benches of those people that were
selling doves. Jesus refused to allow any person to carry
things through the temple area. Then Jesus taught the people.
He said, "It is written in the Scriptures, 'My house will be
called a house for prayer for all people.' But you are
changing God's house into a 'hiding place for thieves.'"
-- Mark 11:15-17 (ERV)
KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus invades the Temple to restore it to its purpose. This was to be a
place of prayer. This place was to be open to all the nations. This
place wasn't about making a profit off people seeking God. This place
wasn't about merchandising the grace of God. While Jesus' actions were
bold and shocking to those of his day, we have a tendency to let the
distance in both time and culture soften the implications. If Jesus
invades our hearts, our worship, our religious places and times, what
sacred cows will he drive away? Are we open to other nations and
cultures? Are we about being a place and people of prayer? How have we
sold out our Savior and our worship of him to our over-commercialized
culture? How have we let religious charlatans fleece God-seeking
people? And if our bodies are God's temple, then what does this all
mean for us?
TODAY'S PRAYER:
O God, my heavenly Father, help me see my sacred cows and let Jesus
drive them out of my life. Humble me gently as you lovingly, but
completely, remove the idols and vestiges of false religion that
inhabit my heart. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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