Worshippers of all kinds approached the temple to purchase their sacrificial lambs and exchange foreign currencies. Many were not allowed to venture any further then the Court of Gentiles. The Sadducees, who were the elected overseers of these commercial ventures, placed their tables near the front entrance, open for their lucrative business. Money was short-changed, and perfectly approvable sacrificial animals were deemed unworthy just to make a profit. Sojourners, simply desiring to offer true worship and to bring a sacrifice to the Lord, were hindered at the gate by thieves and robbers.
Jesus, undoubtedly in a prayerful and heightened sense of compassion, observes how the people were being cheated and mistreated. In righteous indignation, and passion we could only imagine, Jesus rushes the crowd, turns over the tables, and not so kindly dismisses the employees as He drives them out of the temple court.
We, as the bride of Christ, are called the temple of the Living God. We are a dwelling the Holy Spirit has chosen by grace to come and abide with Jesus as the cornerstone and sure foundation of our faith.
A challenge for us to think about:
µ How do our temples look?
µ Is it time to clean house?
µ Do we hinder true worship from ascending in our hearts because there may be sin at the gate?
µ Are there still locked doors and hidden closets we are hoping are not exposed to the light of His glory?
µ How do our dwelling places look on the inside behind the pulled shades?
I do not think it is by chance that the very first task on the Lord’s agenda for Passion Week was the temple cleansing. If the Lord cannot enter the temple and be glorified, we have some serious problems. Do you agree?
The temple is where worship ascends, sacrifices are offered, incense rises from the altar, prayers mingle in the throne room, the mercy seat heavy with the glory of the Lord, atonement is made. It is a beautiful thing to the Lord!
May You, Lord, find Your temple to be a dwelling with which You approve, that You would come down and consume us with His glory! Show us where we have failed, and correct us with Your grace and leading!
(Matt 21:12-13, 2 Cor 6:16, Eph 2:19-22, 1 Peter 2:1-12)
This is so appropos as we are entering the season of the Ten Days of Awe! From the Feast of Trumpets to the Day of Atonement through the Feast of Tabernacles, it's a time of self-reflection and clearing the way for more of His presence. Thanks for sharing this, Stephanie!
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