A House of Prayer for All Nations

Mark 11 v15-18

“On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’

The chief priests and the teachers of the law heard this and began looking for a way to kill him, for they feared him, because the whole crowd was amazed at his teaching.”

It must have been a shocking scene – tables overturned, money (and doves!) flying about, voices raised in anger and disbelief and Jesus loudly quoting two prophets from the Old Testament – Jeremiah (7v11) and Isaiah (56v7).

The temple represented the heart of Israel’s religious and national life, where God dwelt with his people. But instead of voices lifted in prayer and worship, it was money that talked loudest – a house of prayer had been turned into a noisy marketplace. And a corrupt one. Animals bought for sacrificing weren’t the only ones being fleeced; it was a mockery of everything the temple was meant to stand for.   

Jesus was angry at what he saw and turned the whole system upside down. People were kept from getting close to God in the various areas in the Temple. There was the large outer Gentile court (where the moneychangers were), the Jewish Women’s court, the Jewish Men’s court, the Holy Place of Priests then the Holy of Holies for High Priest only (and once a year only). This action was Jesus in character, motivated by love for his Father’s name – a purposeful response to something that was so clearly wrong.   
When Jesus died, the temple curtain 3.5in thick, was torn from top to bottom allowing access to the Holy of Holies for EVERYONE – his plan of salvation.

When we see practices and attitudes in our everyday lives that don’t align with what God’s made us for, what should our response be?

Part of our purpose as followers of Jesus is to be a witness to God’s character and his priorities. Whilst we may not need to overturn tables as such, we can pray for God to show us proportionate ways to respond and act out of love.   

Inspired by LICC

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Giving

1 Corinthians 16 v 1-3 NLT

“Now regarding your question about the money being collected for God’s people in Jerusalem. You should follow the same procedure I gave to the churches in Galatia. On the first day of each week, you should each put aside a portion of the money you have earned. Don’t wait until I get there and then try to collect it all at once. When I come, I will write letters of recommendation for the messengers you choose to deliver your gift to Jerusalem”.

As the apostle Paul visited and wrote to churches, he encouraged them to give generously to those in need. Here he was asking the Christians in Corinth to collect money to send to Jerusalem where there was a severe famine. In this passage, he also gives guidelines on how to give.

1. The Priority of Giving – Paul says put aside money on the first day of the week (not give any money that was left over at the end of the week).
2. The Community of Giving – v2 says “you should each put aside… money”. Giving is for everyone, not just for the rich
3. The Rate of Giving – the amount given should be in proportion to the amount we have. ‘Tithe’ in other Bible verses is a tenth (10%) not a fixed amount.
4. The Practicality of Giving – Paul suggests giving has to be planned, organised and thought about, not just using what’s in the pocket/wallet on the day!

Are you generous with your finances? Do you plan regular giving?

Pray and ask God who you should be giving to, how much and how often.

Matthew 6 v33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well”.

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Be Generous at Christmas!

God is a generous, loving Father who showers us with good gifts day after day. Just think how you have been blessed already today (love, food, water, clothes, shelter, air to breathe etc).

Generosity not only does good to others but also to us. When we realise that riches are not central to living a good life (the best things in life are free is still true!), it helps us not to become attached to them. Possessions and money can come to possess us, ruling our hearts, minds and decisions. When we turn our eyes to riches and away from God, joy escapes us and poverty beckons…

You can’t ever out-give God as has been proved in my life on many occasions. Hold your money, time and stuff in open hands and share freely what you have. Refresh others and you will not only be blessed, but refreshed.

Proverbs 11 v24-25

“One man gives freely, yet gains even more. Another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty.

A generous man will prosper, he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed”.

Philemon was a man who Paul praised for sharing his love for all the saints (all fellow believers) and sharing his faith which (probably) led to new life in Christ.

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints. I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you ay a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.” Philemon v4-7

This Christmas time, bless others, bring joy and share the love of Jesus which led all the way from Christmas to Easter.

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