Zealous For His Father's House ~ 31

November 14, 2006 - Day 31

Mark 11:15-19

Passage: Today’s passage gives a stunning view into Jesus’ zeal for His Father’s house, the temple in Jerusalem. Jesus enters the temple and begins to drive out merchants and he overturns the tables where money-changers were doing business. He begins to teach the people about how far the people of Israel, especially the leaders, had abused and distorted the temple. It was no longer a place of sacrifice and praise to God. It became a business district, a “den of robbers.” He refers to Isaiah 56:7 saying, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations.’ Jesus’ point is that if Israel knew that Jesus was the Messiah, they would have enthroned him as king. The temple would have become a place of prayer for the nations that they might believe in and submit to Jesus. But this was not the case. The next verses say that the chief priests and experts in the law “were seeking a way to destroy him.”

Application: I think the number one application of this passage for me is that Jesus is my king, and I should submit to Him as is fitting. All too often I do not listen to Him. All too often I do not obey Him. I pray that God would humble me at the feet of King Jesus. I pray that God would put a desire for obedience in my heart. Just like an earthly king, with Jesus there are great rewards for obeying His commands and there is great discipline for disobedience. I pray that you would keep me on the path of obedience. Spare me from the pains of your discipline. However, if it is necessary, let me experience your reproving, loving, Fatherly discipline. Thank you Jesus for bringing me into your kingdom. I pray that you would make your church a place of prayer for the nations. Make me a prayer warrior for all the peoples of the earth.