"Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves' and He would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple. And He began to teach and say to them, 'Is it not written, 'My House shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations;? But you have made it a robber's den.'
"The chief priests and the scribes heard this, and began seeking how to destroy Him; for they were afraid of Him, for the whole crowd was astonished at His teaching." Mark 11:15-18
"Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling, saying to them, 'It is written,' And My house shall be a house of prayer, but you have made it a robbers' den.' And He was teaching daily in the temple; but the chief priests and the scribes and the leading men among the people were trying to destroy Him, and they could not find anything that theymight do, for all the people were hanging on every word He said." Luke 19:45-48
[God speaking] "'Behold, you are trusting in deceptive words to no avail. Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery and swear falsely, and offer sacrifices to Baal and walk after other gods that you have not known, then come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, 'We are delivered!' -- that you may do all those abominations? Has this house, which is callecd by My name become a den of robbers in your sight? Behold, I, even I, have seen it!' declares the Lord.'" Jeremiah 7:8-11
Jesus must have been deeply discouraged by many of the practices and the beliefs of the people He saw everywhere He went. Even His disciples frequently missed the points of His teaching and were more excited about being rulers when Jesus took over Jerusalem.
Unbeknownst to those disciples, Jesus knew the end of His ministry was looming and when He entered the temple (knowing it was the last time) He was seeing intimacy with His Father. Instead, it was chaos, money lenders' tables, crying animals and those selling sacrifices shouting for attention.
Jesus had had enough and His zeal for His mission surfaced in an unexpected way ...but one we should all understanding. Men had diluted God's message and they were more interested in 'doing stuff' rather than focusing their hearts on biblical Truth.
Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you daily)
PS: For those not aware, I’m still struggling with my ageing technology so sometimes the devotion may look different. I apologise and am working on it. Find my statement of faith: https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’. (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone. Not sure about Apple.). For the books, go Amazon books. NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)
Beverly W - Lost her beloved husband, Bill, of many years this week. Pray for her and her family. The funeral is this Friday at 10 AM at St Marks.
War in Ukraine – Please pray for the people caught in the cross-fires of this war, especially strength for Christians of the country and that God’s sends encouragement and help in unexpected ways to save Ukraine and our world from potential devastation of a third world war.
Simon and Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support the Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way. Help them prepare throughout this year for the new challenges that await them. And when Simon takes up the new role, let him fill it with the same grace, devotion and love he has consistently demonstrated while at St. Marks. Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them and their decision.
Christine – give her strength as she journeys to heart-healing.
Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23). Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning. Pray for their wisdom and that God will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.
Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – now in her second year of college. Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord.
Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend is chronically unwell and frail. Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.
Hans – a dear friend in Germany, has lung cancer and unable to work. Pray for his financial situation and that his new social worker will be able to help him through this difficult time. Pray for his patience and God’s mercy. Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey. Pray for his Mom (age 84) -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.
Callilah - a lost child. Pray the Lord will capture her heart.
Pray for those in full-time service
Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil. Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.
Pray for those with ongoing health concerns
Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health. Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.
No comments:
Post a Comment