Read John 2:13-17. Circle the words that stand out to you. What is the Lord saying to you?
13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”
Digging Deeper
Injustice! Demonstration! Protest! America is on fire from the Progressives and the Conservatives. Mom’s protesting and protecting their children’s education. Inflation is now fueling the economy but burning up families’ savings. Every group is voicing their dissent except for one group.
Jesus and His disciples entered Jerusalem and went to the Temple to worship and to pray. He found animal stalls in the temple courtyards. Currency exchange booths with worshippers haggling over the exchange rate or the cost of a “clean” animal without defect. The worshippers felt cheated and the place smelled. Watch your step! Everyone mumbled and complained beneath their breath, but no one dare to said anything or do anything publicly. After all, it is the Lord’s Temple. The religious leaders sanctioned it. What can one person do? Nothing was the accepted attitude.
Jesus was moved with righteous indignation against the sellers in the Temple courtyards and expressed compassion for the worshipers. He made a whip and drove the animals out of the courtyard and turned over the money exchanger’s tables. They weren’t happy at what this man was doing to their business, but the worshipers rejoiced that finally one person had the courage to raise his voice and take action. A breath of fresh air swept through the Temple courtyard.
Christians are willing to take a stand on political and social issues, but few dare to take a stand on faith issues. Christians has for the most part conceded that “science” has disproved the Bible. Science have trampled all over the Bible and established “booths” to disprove the Bible. We don’t know or haven’t found an adequate response to their discrediting of the Bible. Is it because there is no answer for the contradictions within the Bible or contradictions with science? What do you say or do when someone mockingly comment about your faith? Do you, do we dare to share/say something at all? Silence is not an option for Christians. Let’s equip ourselves better so that we have an answer to anyone who asks us for the reason for our hope or our understanding in response to science and the Bible. I’m trying. Are you?
Kingston