Text: Matthew 21:12-22, Isaiah 56:1-8
Today is the second day of the portion of the church calendar commonly known as Holy Week.
In the coming days, we will slow our pace, walking through the events that took place between Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday. Rather than offer personal, written responses to each day’s Scripture reading, we’ve asked our friend, Pastor Russ Ramsey, to provide a real-time summary of the week’s events. Our prayer is that this more descriptive approach will usher you into the narrative and allow space for you to fully engage the beauty and ache of Holy Week.
Take this week slowly and reverently. It is a somber time, but let us never forget: Sunday is coming.
___
On the Monday of Holy Week, Jesus asserted His authority in the temple.
If Jerusalem was a beehive, with His triumphal entry the day before, Jesus hit it with a stick. You could hear the buzz grow as the anger within the religious leadership got organized. With that kingly arrival on Sunday, Jesus had made a strong declaration about His authority over all the conventions of man.
On Monday He returned for more, this time to declare the failure of His own people to live up to the covenantal mandate God had given them to be a blessing to the world (Matthew 21:12-13).
Much of what the Gospels tell us about Monday centers on the theme of Jesus’ authority—both over the created world and in His right to pass judgment upon it. Everything Jesus did He did with authority.
So when He woke His disciples Monday saying He wanted go back into Jerusalem to teach in the temple, as risky as it sounded, it wasn’t surprising. But everyone sensed something stirring, as if Jesus had rounded a corner and His end was coming fast. He was a marked man.
When Jesus saw the commotion, commerce, and chaos going on in the temple, He was indignant. The way the Sanhedrin led Israel was not how God’s people were supposed to be led. The temple was a sacred space, and worship was a holy matter. The propriety and dignity of approaching the presence of God had found an advocate in this visiting rabbi. And so, on the Monday before His crucifixion, Jesus went into the temple and overturned the money changers’ tables (Mark 11:15-19).
This was not the first time Jesus had done this. He had cleared the temple like this once earlier, back before anyone knew His name. Then He had warned the merchants to remove the money-changers’ tables and stop making His Father’s house into a den of thieves (John 2:13-17).
If the first time Jesus cleared the temple served as a warning; this time it served as a judgment. This was not an eruption of sudden anger. Jesus saw nothing on that Monday He hadn’t seen many other times. He had even stood in this very place as recently as the day before, so nothing He saw came as a surprise. Jesus simply did what He planned to do.
Jesus’ provocative actions in overturning the money changers’ tables spoke to His deep concern for the way God’s people had traded the work of loving God for a religion of economy. And ever since, He remains involved in the provocative work of overturning idolatrous hearts, calling them back to the dignity and sanctity for which they were intended.
written by Russ Ramsey
adapted from Behold the King of Glory
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96 thoughts on "Holy Week in Real Time: Monday"
Please pray for me as I battle medical issues and that I continue to remain faithful in the word of God as I face these tribulations. I pray that I am able to open my heart to change and allow the Lord to speak to me through my trials.
Praying for you, Amanda!
Praying for you Amanda….God is with you…x
Praying for strength, comfort, peace, and healing for you Amanda!
I will pray for you Amanda
Amen and thank you.
Can everyone pray with me and agree over my finances today please ? I’m believing God is going to use today to deliver me out of some things I’ve been struggling with. Financially and spiritually. I’ ok
Joining you in prayer dear sister…that the Lord’s will be done where your finances are concerned…He is with you…Amen.. God bless you..x
Yes. Praying for you this morning Sanaya. Keep clinging to Him!
Can everyone pray in agreeable over my finances with me today please ? I’m believing God is going to use today to deliver me out of some things I’ve been struggling with. Financially and spiritually. I’ ok
I some time I am not a good wife because I put my self down self esteem in some I do no how to bring my back up oh my god so please praying for me thank you listener
God loves you so much that he sacrificed his only son who he loved so so extremely much!! What do you love ??? Imagine giving that up for something else and how much love that would take … Tell yourself that everyday even if you have to think of new ways to retell youself about how God loves you so so much and go spread that self sacrificing love with others!!
A quick question for Russ or She Reads Truth (or anyone who might know). When I read the account in Matthew, it appears that the Temple cleansing occurred the same day as the Triumphal entry. But in Mark’s account, it’s clearly the day after. While this is not a major issue, my linear brain is extremely curious. Any insight would be appreciated.
I was thinking about the same thing and I’m sad to say it distracted me from the message, so I googled it and this was the first result http://www.apologeticspress.org/apcontent.aspx?category=11&article=2813
May we rejoice in the house of prayer! Thank you Jesus
http://www.in-due-time.com
One aspect of Jesus’ life here on earth that I desperately love is that He was unapologetically devoted to the same 12 disciples for His whole ministry. Though He came to save all of humanity, he walked out His days among friends, His tribe if you will. The beautiful Greek work for devoted is Proskartereo. Finding your own tribe and loving them hard is what we are discussing over at A Word That Matters today. Won’t you join me and give a shout out to your own tribe.
https://wordpress.com/stats/day/awordthatmatters.wordpress.com
Praying for you, M.
In this passage, I noticed that Jesus is feeling the full spectrum of His humanity during the Passion Week-frustration, indignation, lonliness, and eventually despair and pain. I desperately don’t like feeling upset- I feel like a burden to others and that I’m being ridiculous. Because I don’t open up I also don’t like turning to God because I know it’ll mean working through and feeling the pain. So I tend to turn to habitual sinful coping habits, like porn, using lust to ignore my real feelings. This Holy Week, I want to turn to Jesus instead and really work through my emotions, feeling the pain along with Him. Prayers would be appreciated, sisters!
Praying for you M – that Jesus would draw near to you and that although there may be pain, you would be able to heal and live in the abundance that Jesus came to give us.
Have you thought about counselling? I’ve been going for just over a year and it has been really eye opening for me and extremely helpful in working thru things I didn’t know were there and letting go of what doesn’t need to be there. And in a weird way, it’s sometimes easier to unload the heavy stuff to a person who doesn’t know you that well, who don’t have any perceptions of how you “should” be. Just something to think about. Please know that you are not a burden and that you are made in the image of our Almighty God. You are a child of the King of Kings. Love and prayers to you!!
Thank you so much Kim. I’ve been in therapy before and am considering going back. Just need to pluck up the courage
Continuing to pray M! You’ve already shown courage by reaching out to this community. God is with you sister!! xo
With God everything is possible! I will be praying for you.
Praying for you, dear M.
Bless you for being so honest and seeking to turn to Jesus away from sin.
May God give you strength to say no as you go forward, may he carry you when you feel weak, and bring healing, deliverance, and restoration. Elle
Sweet sister, you are not alone in any of your struggles, with sexual sin or with whatever pain you are trying to hide from. Your choice to reach out to this community of believers represents that you are fighting this, which is something you can only do by God’s grace. Don’t be discouraged with yourself, because it’s clear you haven’t given up. That is victory in and of itself. Like you said, Christ engaged with the full spectrum of human emotion, many of which are evoked by the sin and brokenness of our humanity. That means that Jesus has already experienced the pain and heartache that you are trying to avoid. He already experienced it for you and he already overcame it. He put the brokenness in your life to rest and now invites you to a safe place of grace and mercy within his arms. Turn to Jesus, but know that you won’t be turning to be condemned. Turn to Jesus and find rest. Turn to Jesus and find new life. Turn to Jesus and find the love that saved you from this hurt you feel long before it even began.
Yes, praying along with the others, for you. So appreciate your honesty, your vulnerability and above all your desire to follow Jesus. He’s right there with you. No condemnation. Only grace.
Thank you all so much for your kind words and support. Jesus has blessed me with this community just through your words and prayers and I’m eternally grateful
M,
I’ve been there. In a very similar situation. The chains too heavy to remove. The pain overwhelming so I would run to the world for fulfillment. The temptation far too large to handle on my own. The weight that makes your load heavy. The battle against your own flesh… But let me tell you, Jesus, the ultimate healer, is SO much bigger than a “habit”. I am believing and expecting Jesus to do an amazing work in your life, where this “habit” becomes your past, and this sexual sin that feels consuming becomes something that you have overcome in Jesus’ name!!! I’m am praying hard for you!! I am praying that you put your passions in the right place. I am praying that when you feel like running from whatever is going on in your life that you choose to run straight to Jesus and his wonderful loving arms. Praying that you will lay this coping method at the foot of the cross. Give your pain, every ounce of it to Jesus. He is here to make your burden light!!!
You are not alone. I don’t have answers but I can tell you I won’t stop trying. And desperately seeking to know more and learn more each day. I contains tangly feel like I’m praying the wrong way. Sometimes I just stop praying and start telling Him what I’m thankful for. I just finished Logan Wolfram’s book “Curious Faith”. Highly recommend it. Love your prayer for this week, I’ll be praying it right along with you.
Lately I have noticed that my heart is thirsting to feel God’s presence. This is something I have a hard time admitting for some reason, but I’m hoping that someone else can identify or help in this confusing and tough season. I feel as though I have these “expectations” of what that presence should feel like – a clear voice, an obvious sign, an immediate response. I truly am unsure. I desperately crave to hear the Holy Spirit speak more truth and direction into my life, but I feel as though there’s a disconnect or something in the way. That when I pray and have quiet time, it’s not “intentional enough” or that I’m doing something wrong – which isn’t true, but hard to not think or feel. God calls us simply to just come to Him in all things.
This week as we draw closer to the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, I truly pray that my pace slows and I lean into Him. That I allow myself to feel presence, because He is always near. I pray this over all of you as well
I know how you feel. There have been many seasons in my life where I felt like God was far away and I couldn’t feel His presence. I knew He was there because Scripture tells us He never leaves or forsakes us, but at the time He felt so far away. Keep seeking His face. I think all believers have seasons in their life where God seems farther away, we aren’t walking with Him as closely, or we’re in the middle of a trail, the list goes on and on. The most important thing is to keep our focus on Him. We might not always be able to feel Him with us, but we can’t let the doubt overtake us.
Praying for you, Samantha, as you seek His face.
I truly believe that God honors the fact that you’re seeking Him and longing and looking to see/hear from Him.
I’ve been and still wrestle with where you are right now.
Not knowing exactly what to look for in terms of God’s voice and leading can be so difficult when you are longing so deeply to hear or see it.
I believe that God will speak to us uniquely as He sees fit for that situation.
It may be a clear voice, a moving of the spirit in a certain direction, a verse.. ect.
I think the best thing we can do is to keep our eyes, ears, mind, and heart open to the Holy Spirit. He will speak, He will lead. It is His desire.
God is not a God of confusion.
Sometimes the smallest whisper saying, “Here is the way walk in it(Isaiah 30:21),” is all we need to hear and obey in that moment. Blessings to you, Samantha!
I am right there with you. Just this morning I wrote in my journal about my growing hunger for God’s presence. Sometimes I feel that my expectations are unreasonable – That I have a preconceived idea of what my relationship with Him should look like and I should just be content with the ways He has showed Himself to me thus far, but then I realize that He is the one who has placed this longing in me and there must be more! I will keep seeking His presence until the end of my days, knowing that only He can, and will (!) fulfill my deepest desires. Press in to Him – He will not disappoint!
A couple practical things that may help : change the place of where you do your praying /devotions. Sometimes moving outdoors or to a cafe or just a different room in your house helps. Make the area appealing – lighting, flowers, favorite mug, notebook. (I even have a favorite pen reserved for Bible study). Add worship music – feel free to sing along or choose instrumental music and let yourself really hear it. Pray the Scriptures. Personalize them. Reread a passage until you feel like you could tell someone about it in detail. Journal your thoughts, including the frustrations. Jot down your blessings – seeing them on paper makes them more apparent. Read the Scriptures out loud, as if you are an actor in front of an audience. Use the full range of inflection and tone in your voice. Listening to yourself read scripture can be very impactful. These things help me keep fresh in my approach and bring me closer to Him. Praying for you, friend.
I can totally relate. I’m so hungry for God to come and move and speak into my life. So hungry to be completely set ablaze for him. So hungry to be sold out and never the same. I want. And I worried that I wanted too much. But I felt God whisper that you can never want too much of Him. Indeed, he gives us the desires of our hearts and a heart that longs for him WILL be satisfied! I’m clinging to that promise. Even when I feel so dry. Even when I feel nothing. I believe he is with me. I believe.
I feel as though i could have written this exact statement! Praying for you :)
It is totally normal and expected to have seasons of “desolation” and “consolation.” I think “universal” might be the right word! Almost always right when we first believe, God gives an amazing sense of his presence, but this sensation subsides a bit as we grow into our faith, and comes subsequently in waves.
I’ve heard lots of reasons about why exactly this is so, but I think the main thing is to realize that this is entirely normal and expected, and to keep on praying right through it. That feeling of closeness will come again.
To me it feels almost exactly like my marriage, where some days I’m blissfully happy and loving while other days I look at him and am like …. “I know I love him but I am NOT FEELING IT.” And some days I feel loving, but it seems as if he is disengaged (like….when we were remodeling the house and whole weeks would go by when that was ALL he ever talked about).
Anyway at those times I just sort of stay present to him and trust that it will all come around. And then it does. Sometimes I feel closer to him in the end than I did before, because it was an exercise in faithfulness for me.
If I had to hazard a guess I’d say that this happens in our relationship with God because we are imperfect and human. Unless we are VERY spiritually mature, we just can’t maintain that sort of constant communion with God — although it IS, several of the great spiritual writers tell us, possible — after years of faithful practice. I have not managed it!
Practically speaking, I agree with Churchmouse. Look at what your daily practice is like. IS it daily? It really has to be. What can you change? What can you add or take away? What works for YOU? Different denominations have different approaches — try talking to your pastor.
I personally need silent time waiting on God before I really feel present to him. I also like to journal, and obviously spend time in the word, and I like to use the Ignation Examen prayer.
Everyone is different, but EVERYONE goes through these times. There is NOTHING wrong with your faith. You will feel close to God again. I don’t need to wish you good luck because I know it will work out! But I wish you lots of growth from it. Hugs. I know how hard these times are.
Yesterday in church we talked a bit about this yesterday in church.
I like the point made about how this time he overturned the tables as a judgement, not just a warning, like before.
“this time to declare the failure of His own people to live up to the covenantal mandate God had given them to be a blessing to the world.” This mandate is on my life as well.
Jesus, oh Holy One, that I may lean on You as I examine my heart and all that is not well within me. All that is keeping me from Your mandate on my life, the blessings You have for me and for the world through me and my obedience to You. May my energies spent in devotion to myself and devotion to my husband and devotion to graduating turn wholly into devotion to You. For in You alone I find rest and joy. Move the world around me this week, Father, that I may see You more clearly, for You are always at work around me. You are Salvation. You alone are King. Amen.
Thank you for this beautiful prayer. It echoes the cry of my heart.
I like the point that is made about how everything Jesus did, he did with authority. It helps us to understand that the provocative act of overturning tables is actually still an act of gentleness because he was using the least amount of force necessary to address the situation and he had every right and authority to do so. It’s so important that we have him as our model and the Holy Spirit as our guide to show us when and how to turn over tables in our own lives. And like with everything in the spiritual life, God does the heavy lifting for us! Praise Him!
Amen!! Thankful he does the heavy lifting for us!
Reminds me of the song Furious by Jeremy Riddle…”nothing can tear us from the grip of His mighty love. We’ve only glimpsed his vast affection, heard whispers of His heart and passion. It’s pouring out. His love is deep, his love is wide and it covers us. His love is fierce, it is strong, it is furious. His love is sweet, it is wild and its waking hearts to LIFE.”
Thankful for His deep love for us. That he doesn’t let us stay where we are but calls us to true life and purpose.
I have a close personal friend who is far from God and struggling. Pray that I can be a light to him this week. I would love to share these truths we are learning about this week with him, I just don’t know how.
Gracie I am praying for you. It’s ok to be uncertain. The Lord will open the conversation at the appropriate time for you to share with your friend. And maybe he just needs to feel loved and accepted by you. You have a compassionate heart. Lord give Gracie peace and the discernment to see where Your spirit leads her interactions with this friend.
Praying the Holy Spirit encourages you and provides the right time and the right words. You already have a willing heart!
A week ago, I have felt a dryness in my morning devotions and quiet time with God. It seemed like no matter how I try, I couldn’t enter His presence and it left me feeling frustrated and far from Him. Until He revealed to my heart that I’ve been so addicted with facebook lately, and that I should take some time off. As soon as I did choose to pray and read His Word (when I was tempted to open facebook), I’ve felt that my connection with Him was slowly being restored. Then I would reinstall my facebook and IG apps once again, and feel that I’m loosing my connection with Him again. It’s a clear confirmation that God is “overturning” my social media addiction table. In His great Love, He never allows me to wander too far.
I also feel that He is teaching me to be intimate with Him during this season when things in my life are going well and His promises are coming my way (I’ve learned and have always been intimate with Him during suffering seasons, so this feeling is new to me).
Pls pray for me to hunger and thirst for God’s presence like how I used to in difficult seasons of my life. I long to always be desperate for His presence and nearness.
I will be praying for you! The more I read your comment I identified with you more and more. Jesus can heal any addiction and restore us back to Him! V.
How wonderful that you listened for our Lord’s voice…and then was obedient to decrease your time on social media! And you’re right: often we find it more difficult to remain intentional with our prayers, devotionals and seeking Him when things are going well for us than when we’re desperately calling out to Him during rough times. A friend once counseled me: “Don’t let the answers to your prayers become the barriers to your prayers.” Miscue, I am praying that you will continue to seek His near presence, whatever the circumstances in which you find yourself.
That’s an interesting perspective Susie. I can see in my own experience how answers have become barriers or distractions to my closeness with God. I’ll be chewing on that for the rest of the day. Thank you!
I am identifying as well. Thank you.
Yeah! I too have had similar struggles, and similar words from God! Amen!
Ah yes, a while back,the Lord was telling me my smart phone was making me dumb – in that I was choosing social media, near constant current events and entertainment apps to occupy my time. It was crowding out His still small voice. I KNOW better; thus , I believe, Him telling me I was making dumb choices! So… No more Facebook, Instagram, etc. I hit delete and Uninstall. Now my phone apps reflect my focus… All for Jesus.
Why was nothing said about the fig tree?
“Much of what the Gospels tell us about Monday centers on the theme of Jesus’ authority—both over the created world and in His right to pass judgment upon it. Everything Jesus did He did with authority. ”
Hi Meghan! I think the fig tree would be included in this comment. Jesus was demonstrating His authority over the created world. I think it was just another example of Jesus’s authority over nature. If he can command a tree to wither and the waves to be still, He surely would have that same power when it comes to the spiritual realm. That He holds that power and authority over death as well.
That was my take away but I’m certainly open to correction and other perspectives!!!
This used to be a community for women by women. Even though truth obviously can be heard from a male voice, I just have to say, I am really missing the voice of our female leadership. This is not about Russ, it is about my grief. I hope this is still a safe place to share with such honesty.
Frances,
I actually find it refreshing to hear from Russ. I think for this week, he is just giving out facts straight from the Bible. It is nice to be able to relate with other women. One last thing, I haven’t been reading with this group of women but about 9 months, so I don’t know if the Holy Week has been done before. I’m looking at it as, now the week of Easter can have more meaning to me. Please let me know if I can pray for you something specific.
It still is a community of women for women…the majority of devotionals are still penned by women. I think that’s why they specified Russ’ “credentials”, his expertise. He really does have something great to offer, and I imagine each person who offers a devotional in SRT is (chosen) prayerfully. In this instance, really focusing in on Holy Week, info is info. You know? I’m enjoying the different, and very fresh, perspective(s). That said, my heart hurt a bit when you mentioned your grief…I too would like to know how I can pray for you! I at least pray for peace for you today, and a sense of feeling loved, known, and understood. Hope your day is a good one, Frances.
Frances, thank you so much for expressing your gracious concerns. We absolutely hear you and want to assure you that this is a safe place to honestly share and we are grateful for your willingness to do so. SRT is still a community of women in the Word of God every day—and we’re so grateful you’re joining us! Russ is part of our SRT pastoral counsel, and we reached out to him for this real-time summary of Holy Week. Our prayer is that this more descriptive approach will usher you into the narrative and allow space for you to fully engage the beauty and ache of Holy Week. After this week, we’ll be back to hearing from our regular writing team. Praying God’s peace and presence over you, asking Him to refresh you as you spend time reading His Word. Love to you!
xoxo-Kaitlin
I barely look at who author’s the devotions (except when I’m done reading, if I want to thank them by name for what they’ve written). I can’t tell who is a male or female author by what they’ve penned. I recognize that this community is intended for women and by women but I take these occasional males coming on our turf (smile) as brothers in Christ caring enough about their sisters to occasionally share. They don’t move in. They just drop by. I’m ok with that.
Who are you Churchmouse? Are you on staff at SRT? I notice you respond to a lot of posts.
Anyway, unlike you, I always look at authors because I am interested in knowing about the person who shares. Also, I do sense a difference between male & female writers. My main issue with “occasional males coming on our turf” has nothing to do with who they are as persons, but with the perception that we (females) have to turn to some male as an authority figure, who may possibly know more or can give better insight to women. I say, let the women gather whatever info they want from men or any other source, but then share it from their own heart, through their uniquely female filter! It just feels like a lot has changed since Lifeway took over or got involved, and I for one am grieving the changes from how it used to be. I have no idea what the work dynamics or arrangements now are, but it feels like churchmouse may have some connection to monitor and make commentary on comments. I appreciate the openness of Kaitlin who admits she is on staff and is always very loving in responses. Maybe this is no longer “my tribe,” and if so, that also grieves me because SRT has been an important piece of my life for a few years now. For that I thank you. Raechel and Amanda, may God continue to use you in the powerful way God intends! Love & peace to all.
Frances, I assure you I am not on staff nor in any way connected to Lifeway or SRT in any capacity besides as a follower of the site. I respond to many comments when I am moved by them and to encourage and pray for the sisters who gather here. I appreciate all who contribute in any way to helping me be in the Word. I’ve gained so much! I have only been here for a couple years, at the invitation of my youngest daughter (as a way for us to study the Word together even though she lives a thousand miles away) and so do not have the comparison you have to how it was before. I’m retired and watch my granddaughter most days. So I tend to respond when I have a spurt of time (which is why it is sometimes throughout the day. She naps sporadically ) . I hope these details clarify my involvement and eliminate any false assumptions. We are sisters in Christ and that makes you dear to me. Shalom.
Thank you for clarifying that for me, churchmouse! I am so glad you are finding community in this site, and how wonderful you can share that with your daughter. God bless you both.
Thank you for your kindness.
This makes me think this morning on where I am really at in my relationship with Jesus. What tables would Jesus overturn in my life? How I need to focus my eyes on Him so many more times each day. I want to have a heart of meditation on Him through out the day.
I’m so grateful for a Savior who hasn’t yet looked upon me as He did that poor fig tree…green, but not producing fruit…and condemning me to death. His mercies are new every morning. Thank you Jesus!
So grateful! Amen
So, so thankful for those mercies!
Amen! So grateful that his mercies are new Every morning!
I love that SRT is presenting holy week day by day, event by event. Really keeps me focused and from getting ahead of myself in the story. (thank you for today’s devotion, Russ! Hard, but so good! )
This, today : “On Monday, He returned for more…”
Jesus had riled the Jewish leaders with His triumphal entry. Indeed He set the stage for continued confrontation for the rest of His earthly days. Me, I would have made note of the hostile atmosphere and got out of town as fast as I could. But Jesus returned for more. “Jesus simply did what He planned to do.” My ‘plan’ as a follower of Jesus is to act like Him and tell others about Him. But when the going gets rough… I’m not inclined to return for more. I look for the way out or I at least tone it down. Jesus goes back into the “commotion, commerce and chaos” of His day and stays true to His purpose.
I’m feeling convicted today, sisters.
Lord, I’m sorry for the times I’ve chosen to walk away , been quiet or avoided an opportunity to speak up for You. Forgive me for neglecting my purpose. Help me, Holy Spirit, to seize the opportunities, to do the hard thing, to love them enough to tell them the Truth. Even when they don’t want to hear. Let me simply do what You want me to do. Each day. Wherever I am. Whoever is there. Let me set aside me so that they see You. Amen
Amen! Beautifully written.
Amen!
Amen!
So beautiful, thank you for sharing. I love your prayer at the end. That is my prayer today also! May we be confidently sharing Gods love and truth to lose who do not know Him yet!
I like this too, it will help me remember why this week is so important.
Great prayer, Churchmouse! Thanks for sharing!
Such an insightful perspective!
These reflections on Holy Week are great and bringing a fresh perspective on these stories for me.
“He remains involved in the provocative work of overturning idolatrous hearts, calling them back to the dignity and sanctity for which they were intended.”
This challenges me a lot. I hadn’t really put the story of Jesus clearing the Temple together with the fact that we are his temple (2 Corinthians 6:16)- that we are his dwelling place, a place where others should be drawn to come to him and worship him. Too often I allow other things to distract me from that. I’m glad that he doesn’t hold back from stirring things up and turning over the tables and calling us back to our true purpose.
Thank you for this insight. It made me stop and really think about the things that are distracting me from being light and salt to those around me.
Thanks for this post.
Thank you for this thoughtful comment.
Amen, so thankful for this message today!
Carly, your reflections remind me of my own experience with God. After I “accepted” into my life in 2007, it was still in a very bland way– I’m a stubborn woman and a part of me fought hard the idea of this omnipotent God. I always tell people that God knows extreme people call for extreme measures sometimes and He broke me down. I’m not bitter about it (even as it was happening) because deep down I knew I needed to be hit by a spiritual 2×4 to be put back together. And thinking about it now it is the same way as if he came into this temple that I am and he came in and flipped the tables saying “You aren’t listening to me!”. I think sometimes we have this idea that Jesus is this kind being who never gets upset but sometimes like a disciplinarian, he must stop us from making terrible mistakes.
Yes! This was the first time I made that connection as well, and than you for further clarifying! We truly are His temple, in need of (constant) cleansing and maintenance…
*thank you for
I have never looked at this scripture this way. I know I always say “this body is His temple” however I have never thought about it in the sense of being a representation to attract people for worship and to come to the Savior. Thank you for this insight. I too need to look at the distractions in my life.
Why, for an instant, would I wonder if a Savior so passionate on this Monday, indignant and overturning tables wouldn’t be equally as passionate about seeking my heart and overturning the wrong in my life?! We live in a world that has us setting the standard of love and relationship on the pithy ways of rom-com romance when standing right in front of us is the real thing; a love that would overturn tables, insight wrath in a marketplace and be willing to step into a place that would leave Him a “marked man” for death on a cross. At the beginning and end of every day, I pray that I set my eyes on this Jesus … on His provocative & furious love!
Yes and Amen! ♥
This! Thank you!
❤
YES!!!!
Well said. Amen.
Mmm. Beautifully said, wonderful savior. Thankful for this love that is so out for our good, so bent on making us holy, that it is willing to brave such confrontation.
Praying right alongside you dear friend, that I set my eyes firmly on the One who would overturn tables, and die for the love of me, you, us, our friends, family…Psalm says ..’where can I go, that you are not there…’ I say where would I want to go/ be, BUT to fix my eyes on the One who furiously and protectively loves me so so so much.. Amen..x
Sending love to you and yours dear -B…this Holy week…xxx
A provocative and furious love – yes, please!!
Thank you Jesus for continuing to turn our hearts toward you.