Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. 13 “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’[e] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers. Matthew 21:12-13 NIV
One of the reality TV shows popular today is called Hoarders. Professionals come into a persons home to help them overcome the addiction and attraction to stuff. It takes someone from outside the home to assess the true value and purpose of the rooms in the house. It is always easier to judge the “weirdness” of other people’s problems.
Jesus instantly knew that the Jews were missing the true intent of the temple courts. He pointed and disrupted the normal flow, which challenged the routines of their spiritual lives. I want to suggest a series of questions…hopefully that lead to encouragement after the dust settles.
- How much time is your church building used for prayer?
- How can you make prayer in your church a greater priority?
- Who do you know that integrates prayer into the majority of their life?
- If tables represent misplaced priorities, what needs to be overturned in your life to make room for more prayer?
- How much time do you spend on entertainment daily? Include TV, time on the internet surfing or shopping, and Facebook
- How do you structure your day so that it reflects your spiritual values?
- How could you involve your relationship with the Holy Spirit to help you “see” the adjustments that need to be made in your life?
- Are you committed to allowing the Holy Spirit access to every “room”?
If you are feeling convicted and not shamed that is good. Allow the Holy Spirit to highlight issues and then lead to the truth that will set you free. Prayer is our main connection with God to share our needs and to follow His voice.
Blessings Love y’all
You hit the target.
Luv ya.