JESUS SPEAKING
Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And he found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When he had made a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers money and overturned the tables. And he said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make my Father’s house a house of merchandise!” Then the disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house has eaten me up” (John 2: 13 – 17.)
INSPIRED THOUGHTS
Long ago King David prophesied that the messiah would be zealous for the things of God. When Jesus witnessed his fellow Israelites using the temple for selfish gain, he was filled with anger. He responded by using a whip to passionately chase out those who were defiling his Father’s house. Similarly, in our lives, we too will come to witness acts of great evil. In these moments the Holy Spirit will remove our fears and fill our hearts with zeal; enabling us to take action against those who practice villainy.
One day as I studied in the coffee shop, a man and his teenage son sat down beside me. The Father remained calm while his son persistently berated and verbally abused him. As the disrespect continued my heart was filled with righteous anger. After a short time the young man threatened his dad, saying, “Have you ever been punched in the face?” Turning toward the son I angrily said, “Shut your mouth.” The boy quieted down. I proceeded to tell him how horribly he was behaving and I sternly lectured him concerning parental respect. Embarrassed and afraid, the young man got up and walked outside. Later he returned and apologized.
In our lives, on occasion we are going to witness acts of such overwhelming evil, that God will inspire us to intervene. In those moments He will fill our hearts with zeal. He will give us the words to speak and the strength to overcome our fears. He will use us to rebuke, to exhort, and to correct those who knowingly violate the laws of God.
“Lord Heavenly Father, give us the strength to speak the truth when it is needed. May we be zealous for Your ways, and love what is good. When great acts of evil are being committed may we stand against them; may our desires for righteousness always overcome our fears of reprisal. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you.
Jesus Speaks 