House of prayer
Day 543, Thursday, Feb. 5
Mark 11:1 – 12:17
The story of Jesus clearing the temple is challenging. It’s not the only place that Jesus challenges the status quo; he does that all the time. It’s not the only place he is willing to act; many of the accounts we have of him involve doing at least as much as teaching.
The incident is jarring because it looks like Jesus is angry and is letting that anger drive his actions. And it is challenging because it looks a lot like the kind of conspicuous power play that we looked at yesterday as being counter to his teaching and example.
In our day it’s a popular story among those who want to flex their political might in disruptive ways. It has even been used as justification for the recent incident of protesters disrupting a worship service in Minnesota.
As in all of scriptural interpretation, though, it pays to be cautious when it looks like the Bible is conveniently saying what we already want to believe. It’s not that scripture never lines up with our preconceptions; it’s just a big caution flag.
Yes, Jesus is probably angry. The place that is supposed to welcome all people as a house of prayer has been turned into a corrupt marketplace. “And as he taught them, he said, ‘Is it not written: My house will be a house of prayer for all nations? But you have made it a den of robbers.’”
In Ephesians 4:26, Paul warns us “in your anger do not sin.” I would be very cautious about using this passage to justify letting my own anger guide my actions.
-Rev. Mark Fleming
Thursday meditation
Psalms 74:1-11
O God, why have you rejected us forever? Why does your anger smolder against the sheep of your pasture? Remember the nation you purchased long ago, the people of your inheritance, whom you redeemed—Mount Zion, where you dwelt Turn your steps toward these everlasting ruins, all this destruction the enemy has brought on the sanctuary.
Your foes roared in the place where you met with us; they set up their standards as signs. They behaved like men wielding axes to cut through a thicket of trees. They smashed all the carved paneling with their axes and hatchets. They burned your sanctuary to the ground; they defiled the dwelling place of your Name. They said in their hearts, “We will crush them completely!” They burned every place where God was worshiped in the land.
We are given no signs from God; no prophets are left, and none of us knows how long this will be. How long will the enemy mock you, God? Will the foe revile your name forever? Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand? Take it from the folds of your garment and destroy them!
Prayer focus
Lord, tame the anger we often experience. May we never use it to justify putting our own will ahead of yours.