Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!

John 2:13-22, “The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables. Making a whip of cords, he drove all of them out of the temple, both the sheep and the cattle. He also poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. He told those who were selling the doves, “Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father’s house a marketplace!” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” The Jews then said to him, “What sign can you show us for doing this?” Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” The Jews then said, “This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?” But he was speaking of the temple of his body. After he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this; and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.”

During the relief and recovery effort in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, I took a load of goods to a nearby church that was functioning as a relief drop-off point. I met one of the several pastors who welcomed me warmly and then proceeded to ask if I had seen their facility. I said no but I’d be glad to come back and join in a tour. The pastor insisted that we take the tour right then. I went and was stunned at ‘things’ available at that church’s facilities: movie theater, bookstore, school, gymnasium, auditorium, et al. The pastor was grinning from ear to ear. I asked where they worshipped and the reply was, “In the auditorium;” not sanctuary but, auditorium. I thanked the pastor for the tour and wished the church well. I guess they had a ‘stage’ and not a chancel and a podium not a pulpit or lectern.

Prayer: Father thank you for today and for Jesus Christ who saves us. Help us be a living sacrifice to you and your love. Help us not forget why we gather together to worship and praise you. In Jesus Name I pray. AMEN