The Temple was bustling that day. Money changers bickered with worshippers over the exchange rate of foreign currency. Peddlers of doves, the poor man’s sacrifice, sat with their cages full waiting for the next customer.
Business was booming –until Jesus arrived. He walked into the Temple court like He owned it. Holy anger burned His heart and blazed in His eyes as He looked at the scene before Him. Even His disciples were taken aback as He strode across the stone pavement, running the merchants out and into the streets and upending tables full of coins.
The men who should have been leading the people to worship were lining their pockets instead. They were callously unconcerned about the heart of God Who leaned close to listen to the prayers and praise offered in that house. Jesus’ accusation hung heavy over them that day, “It is written, My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you have made it a den of thieves. ” (Mt 21:13)
Church, unless I am mistaken, the Lord has walked into the church like He owns the place in these last few weeks. He has not been impressed with our trendy decor, coffee machines, or hip media presence.
Jesus is looking for some real prayer and worship to rise up from His church. And if He had to turn over our programs and interrupt our routines to find it, then He was right to do so. I would rather clean up the mess of His interruption than continue grieving His heart.
The Lord is zealous about your relationship with Him. If your prayer life is more a list for Him to do than a love song to His heart, get ready for Him to show up and cleanse His temple.
