Text: Isaiah 56:7-8, Jeremiah 7:8-11, Matthew 21:10-17, Luke 19:45-48
Who is this man riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, the one hailed by the crowd as the Son of David? The whole city, the scripture says, is abuzz with the question. You can imagine their surprise when Jesus heads straight for the temple, establishing His authority by driving the sellers out, overturning their tables and tossing money to the temple floor. Talk about causing a stir!
Jesus said to them, “My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you make it a den of robbers.” (Matthew 21:13b, ESV) Each scriptural account of the story quotes Jesus as making this distinction. A house: a place of rest and restoration and communion. A den: a place of darkness and confinement. But only Matthew tells us what happens next.
After Jesus tosses out those who would pervert the temple of God into a temple of wealth and greed and convenience, He does something revolutionary: He invites the Least inside.
The blind, the lame, the children all come in and Jesus welcomes them, heals them, confirms their place among Him. He cleared out those who profaned the temple and ushered in those who humbly sought after God.
Will you enter into the narrative with me?
When I picture the scene I can see myself in the wings, on the outside looking in. I am nervous, I am afraid, but I am drawn to this house of God and so I watch and wait.
Those inside seem to have it together, bringing riches rather than sacrifice, doing religion like a business. All I have is this humble offering in my hands, carried the long journey from my home, over rocky roads and mistake-laden miles.
Then I see Him. And right before my eyes I watch Him turn it on its side, all the pretension and injustice and darkness that kept me at bay. He sends out those who’ve come not for God but for gods. And then? He looks me in the eye. Me. Lame, frightened, filthy from days of travel, He looks at me and sees me. He motions for me to come in and then He tells me I belong.
Oh, Sisters, this is our Christ. He welcomes in the defenseless and He becomes their defense. He brings the weak to Himself and makes them strong. He desires not the shiny sacrifices our pride wishes to bring, but only a heart that is stayed on Him.
We cannot purchase Him, for He has purchased us.
Father, forgive me for making myself, Your holy temple, into a den of robbers. I need you. Transform me with your love… humble me, I don't have anything together and I've done horrible things to you… bring me in, welcome me in, not at all because of myself– for I deserve to forever be cast out– but bring me in because of Yourself and for Your glory alone, so that all may see that YOU are GOD. Thank you for doing this, Lord Jesus. Praise you. Amen.
AnnaLee, none of us have it all together that's why we need our Lord and Savior. He is there to pick us up and love on us if we let Him. I know it's difficult at times, but we need to trust Him fully. And please know that your sisters are here for you too……praying for you and standing with you. Love you my sister in Christ!
“He welcomes in the defenseless and He becomes their defense. He brings the weak to Himself and makes them strong. He desires not the shiny sacrifices our pride wishes to bring, but only a heart that is stayed on Him.”
I love this so much!
*tears to my eyes! Very beautiful!
He wants nothing but my heart.
He owns the Universe but He still wants my heart.
The verses from Jeremiah really spoke to me tonight, because I see myself in the description of those chasing after other gods – false gods – placing too much worth in things around me & joining in that den of robbers; then rushing back to the one true God shouting out “I’m back! Save me! Praise God!” This is who I used to be and all to often can still become. The Good News is that, although I know I can displease Him, our Lord greets me with a smile just the same. A direct, loving gaze. A warm hug. Grace, mercy, and wisdom. How great a God we have to not only welcome foolish, weak sinners like me but to seek me out in that rowdy crowd and in those ashamed, meek bystanders looking in from the outside. Thank you, gracious Lord. Your mercy saves me and redeems me. Thank you.
I completely agree with you and I'm glad to know I'm not alone in the struggle!! How easy it is to fall into the trap of chasing other things! For me it's my job–I don't want my job to be first! Praying to keep my eyes and heart on Him!
Praying for you too, Elena.
I'll be praying for both of you, that the Lord's abounding Love would cause you to more and more surrender your lives to Him in all things! I too struggle with it– most of the time it's me wanting to whiteknuckle a situation or to know exactly what's going on in my life and what's down the road (my own "plans" and the trust I put in them to make me feel safe is DEFINITELY a huge idol, as is being a stickler for the rules like a pharisee instead of trusting the Lord in places outside of my comfort zone). Praying that all of us would TRUST and SEEK the face of God, the Arms of Jesus, instead of anything else! Be so blessed, sisters.
Praying for you too, AnnaLee. You take care, sweet sister.