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!"(John 2: 14-16, NRS)
I love children. I always have loved children. Some of the happiest moments on earth occur for me when I see children laughing and playing. The freedom that kids should have to be kids seems to be such a rare gift. There are so many children in this world that struggle to survive physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In my opinion, every adult should find a way to help at least one needy child on a routine basis. It is only an opinion, however, we adults tend to be so consumed with the business of the day that we forget there are those who need us, especially children.
John described a revolutionary scene that merits study and discussion. The people connected the presence of God with the temple; however, it had become more of a place of business than a place to meet with God. Certainly, we can agree that corruption was at the forefront of the problem. Jesus came into the temple and literally turned everything upside down.
I love children. I always have loved children. Some of the happiest moments on earth occur for me when I see children laughing and playing. The freedom that kids should have to be kids seems to be such a rare gift. There are so many children in this world that struggle to survive physically, emotionally, and spiritually. In my opinion, every adult should find a way to help at least one needy child on a routine basis. It is only an opinion; however, we adults tend to be so consumed with the business of the day that we forget there are those who need us, especially children.
John described a revolutionary scene that merits study and discussion. The people connected the presence of God with the temple; however, it had become a place of business than a place to meet with God. Certainly, we can agree that corruption was at the forefront of the problem. Jesus came into the temple and literally turned everything upside down.
The thing is, not one human being is exempt from being consumed with the business of the day.
So, what can we do when the business of the day trashes our ability to be aware of God and the priorities of living in this world?
When all is said and done, we need to make a decision to be aware of His presence and the way God would have us go before we do anything else. It is simple, but when we are consumed it can be a great struggle to put God before our doing.
Decide that nothing takes precedence over knowing God. Stop everything. Seek Him.
"Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
”. . . and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern.”(Matthew 6:33, NLT)
Learning with you to be first, and foremost, consumed with God,
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)
