Word@Work 129 - Mark 11:15-17
Published: Thu, 05/22/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 11:15-17 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple area and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money-changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, "Is it not written: 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations'? But you have made it 'a den of robbers'." (NIV)
If anyone asks, "What makes God cross?", a good first answer is: "Taking God's holy things and using them for selfish purposes". The temple was intended to be the place where the world could see the greatness of God, and submit to Him. Instead, it became a commercial market. Not that God is against trading, as long as it is fair; but this was grossly unfair - on God! To take the worship of God as an opportunity for personal fame and fortune, really made God cross.
Jesus' accusation of robbery was not so much about corrupt business practice (although we might suspect that was going on), but about robbing God. Overturning money tables was a sign of God's judgement as they had refused to listen to the prophet Malachi (Mal 3:8-12) - please click the link to see the passage. Instead of bringing worship tithes into the temple for God, they were taking out money for themselves. God's intention was that the temple would be a place of blessing: Jesus said it was a disgrace. Instead of blessing, Christ showed how God's curse would fall - and fall physically, forty years later when the temple was razed to the ground (just as Jesus was to predict cf Mark 13:2).
Even Christians, through the impulse of their sinful nature, can do the same today. Sung worship can be a self-glorifying performance; and some preachers glow with their national or international reputations. Power hungry church officers (or their spouses), and egotistical church activists, all risk being in the same category as rebellious young believers whose Saturday night and Sunday morning do not match. Using Christ for our own ends, can take so many forms; because our sinful nature is almost infinitely devious. The important thing is to recognise it, and deal with it; before Jesus turns the tables on you.
Prayer: Father God. Help me to recognise where I may be using what You have made sacred for my own advantage, and give me the grace to repent and change. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
If anyone asks, "What makes God cross?", a good first answer is: "Taking God's holy things and using them for selfish purposes". The temple was intended to be the place where the world could see the greatness of God, and submit to Him. Instead, it became a commercial market. Not that God is against trading, as long as it is fair; but this was grossly unfair - on God! To take the worship of God as an opportunity for personal fame and fortune, really made God cross.
Jesus' accusation of robbery was not so much about corrupt business practice (although we might suspect that was going on), but about robbing God. Overturning money tables was a sign of God's judgement as they had refused to listen to the prophet Malachi (Mal 3:8-12) - please click the link to see the passage. Instead of bringing worship tithes into the temple for God, they were taking out money for themselves. God's intention was that the temple would be a place of blessing: Jesus said it was a disgrace. Instead of blessing, Christ showed how God's curse would fall - and fall physically, forty years later when the temple was razed to the ground (just as Jesus was to predict cf Mark 13:2).
Even Christians, through the impulse of their sinful nature, can do the same today. Sung worship can be a self-glorifying performance; and some preachers glow with their national or international reputations. Power hungry church officers (or their spouses), and egotistical church activists, all risk being in the same category as rebellious young believers whose Saturday night and Sunday morning do not match. Using Christ for our own ends, can take so many forms; because our sinful nature is almost infinitely devious. The important thing is to recognise it, and deal with it; before Jesus turns the tables on you.
Prayer: Father God. Help me to recognise where I may be using what You have made sacred for my own advantage, and give me the grace to repent and change. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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