Bible in a Year: Mathew 21:1-22
12 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."
To understand this passage, it is helpful to note that the ability to make affordable sacrifices was given to the people of Israel by the Lord. But for the sake of convenience, currency exchanges and livestock booths were erected about the temple. Of course, given the period in time, we can assume that these sellers were corrupt.
It has taken a different form, but today, how has God's house, a house of prayer, been made a den of robbers? Today we have theaves and robbers that use their pulpits and platforms such as TBN and Day Star TV to empty the pockets of their followers.
More lethal even than this obvious form of robbery is the licentiousness that has become the American church.
God's house is no longer a house of prayer. It is a house of youth programs, book studies, social events, and a 1-hour pep talks and music performances on Sunday morning, but not a house of worship in, with, and through prayer.
Daily Application:
The next time we enter the Lord's house, let us remember why we have gathered there. It is not to socialize or enjoy a cozy inspirational talk, but to worship him. Let us pray. Let us sing. Let us study. Let us even fellowship with his elect. Let us glory in him. Let us worship God in his house.
S.D.G.
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