SEPTEMBER 1
ZEAL FOR FATHER'S HOUSE
John 2:14-17
14 He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting. 15 He made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew their tables. 16 To those who sold the doves, he said, “Take these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will eat me up.” (WEB)
Jesus was always focused on His Father's work. His mission was simply to be an exact reflection of His Heavenly Father (Hebrews 1:3) and ultimately to be the way for humanity to return home (John 14:6) where they belong.
I have always found today's Scripture reading very interesting. While Jesus had all the time in the world for the lost, the broken, and the sinner, He seemed to have most of His conflicts with the religious, the judgmental, and the legalistic. Although Jesus was considered a friend of sinners, there were certain things that deeply angered Him. Visiting His Father's house and discovering a marketplace was one of them.
While at first glance, it might seem a bit inconsistent to see the One who healed the sick and forgave the sinner making a whip and overturning tables in the temple. But the more we understand Jesus' heart for His Heavenly Father, the more we realize His motivation to drive out those who were misrepresenting the kindness of Almighty God.
My prayer today is that we all realize we are part of the same mission Jesus started. That mission is simply to be about our Father's business in whatever area He has placed us. I'm not suggesting we do exactly what Jesus did in the temple; I only mean that as we become more like Jesus (Romans 8:29), His passion for His Father's house will also become ours.
John 14:1-3
“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. (WEB)
14 He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting. 15 He made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew their tables. 16 To those who sold the doves, he said, “Take these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will eat me up.” (WEB)
Jesus was always focused on His Father's work. His mission was simply to be an exact reflection of His Heavenly Father (Hebrews 1:3) and ultimately to be the way for humanity to return home (John 14:6) where they belong.
I have always found today's Scripture reading very interesting. While Jesus had all the time in the world for the lost, the broken, and the sinner, He seemed to have most of His conflicts with the religious, the judgmental, and the legalistic. Although Jesus was considered a friend of sinners, there were certain things that deeply angered Him. Visiting His Father's house and discovering a marketplace was one of them.
While at first glance, it might seem a bit inconsistent to see the One who healed the sick and forgave the sinner making a whip and overturning tables in the temple. But the more we understand Jesus' heart for His Heavenly Father, the more we realize His motivation to drive out those who were misrepresenting the kindness of Almighty God.
My prayer today is that we all realize we are part of the same mission Jesus started. That mission is simply to be about our Father's business in whatever area He has placed us. I'm not suggesting we do exactly what Jesus did in the temple; I only mean that as we become more like Jesus (Romans 8:29), His passion for His Father's house will also become ours.
John 14:1-3
“Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. (WEB)