Jesus walked through the temple, His Father’s house, observing. They had turned the temple into a market. Those who were selling were robbing the people, charging exorbitant prices. It was all about profit. Honor for the Lord was not to be found. These merchants, the priests who allowed the robbery, were distracted by ritual. They had forgotten the purpose of the temple – the purpose of the sacrifice. 
God’s house was to be a place of prayer – communion with God. The temple was the place where sin was atoned for, where one could be close to God.
Jesus cleared the temple, displacing everything. He drove out the sheep and cattle along with the merchants. He scattered the money, turned over their tables.
“Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? You do not belong to yourself, for God bought you with a high price. So you must honor God with your body.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
My body is God’s temple. How often am I distracted by my own desires. I lose focus, lose my way on the journey. Fear and doubt swirl in my head, sin gets the better of me.
Jesus comes and clears this temple – my heart. He turns things upside down in my life. He reminds me I have been bought with a price. His kindness leads me to repentance. When the dust settles I see clearly. The Spirit draws me back into fellowship with my Lord.
Jesus, don’t let me forget, clear this temple of everything that does not bring you glory!
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I have been reading through the Gospel of John. You can read the previous posts here, here, and here. Today’s passage is below.
“It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.” John 2:13-17
3 comments:
Thank you for the thoughts...I am working on making my daily life more of a prayerful life...trying to be in a prayerful attitude all day. Some days...not so good, but others are better. I can so relate to your last two paragraphs! Thanks again.
What a picture, Nancy, to see this same Jesus who cleared the temple at Jerusalem also willing and able to clear the nonsense of my heart, making it suitable for Him to reside.
I'm thankful He doesn't often come throwing tables and swinging a whip though! :)
Missing getting to be over here more regularly, my friend. Hoping things take a quieter turn soon.
Lyla - Sad not to see you around as often but totally understand. Glad you have the work and life keeping you busy.
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