Scripture:
Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Don’t turn my Father’s house into a marketplace.”
John 2:16
Observation:
When Jesus comes to the temple, He observes all the commerce that temple worship brings. Simply said, He was sick of it! He chased the money changers out with great zeal and intensity. This morning I wonder why Jesus did not do the same with the Pharisees. The merchants were providing actually a service and making easier to worshipers to find the animals for the sacrifice. Some of them probably made a fair profit. So why chasing them and turning their tables? I think the answer lays in what Jesus said to them, “Get these things out of here. Don’t turn my Father’s house into a marketplace.” It seems to me that having the animals and making a profit wasn’t the problem. Jesus is bothered by the way a service to people became a business. Their hearts became more interested in making money rather than in serving people. Jesus had to show them how important is for Him to keep a good heart and to never allow a good purpose be tainted by selfish gain.
Application:
Radical change needs to be done when a good purpose morphs into selfishness. In the ministry, many things can be done that are good, but become perverted when the motive changes. Very often, and very slowly, the tables of our heart become tainted by pride, opportunism, and the lusts of this world. Many people start serving with the best heart and with the best intentions, never wanting to pervert their heart. But once their place in the temple grows and they are granted more influence, their desire to help people changes to help themselves. They stop trusting the Lord and start trusting more and more in their machine. Jesus loves his people and when in his temple the original purpose of service is perverted, He will turn the tables, get rid of the junk, and purify His house. For that reason, I need to check my heart and get rid passionately any kind of selfish motive. Also in the church, I need to make sure that we keep our purpose to serve people always pure.
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, during this season I need to clean house and get rid of all the junk that has perverted the good purposes you have placed in my heart. Keep my heart humble and away from seeking financial gain when serving people. Also give me wisdom to keep our church temple free from marketplace principles. Let us always trust you, not our smarts our strategies. Give me discernment to turn the tables that need to be turned, to be string to protect our divine purpose, and to continue advancing your kingdom without compromising. Keep my heart away from selfish gains and from loving money. Amen!
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