FRIDAY, MARCH 16
Luke 19:45-48
Isaiah 56:3-8

“…make them joyful in my house of prayer
…an house of prayer for all people.”

THE CLEANSING OF THE TEMPLE

Jesus was righteously indignant against those who had made the Temple a house for business instead of worship. The sanctuary is for the worship of God. He also emphasized that importance of prayer. Jesus taught daily in the temple to highlight the importance of teaching God’s Word in His house. The pastor’s primary duty as an under-shepherd is to feed the flock with fresh pasture daily.

Many churches today have been deformed into houses of enterprises. Pastors consider their calling a career, using the pulpit for their own profit, counting themselves as Chief Executive Officers rather than ministers of God’s Word. Christians also come to church to make business connections. Jesus’ warns: His house is a house of prayer, not business.

God’s house should not be for entertainment, gossiping or nonsensical talks, but a house full of supplications and thanksgiving to God. “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people” (Isa 56:7). It must be a house for the teaching of His Word, that the people be warned to keep away from the world’s philosophies and psychologies.

Jesus wanted believers to know the real purpose of His first coming and foretold His final return when He will reign with all the saints on earth, from Adam to the last Christian. He was concerned because people were oblivious of the coming danger awaiting those who are not in God’s Kingdom. He therefore urged believers to make use of His house as a place to make proper preparations for the impending judgment. Christians must worship God and be taught rightly the Word of God that through Jesus Christ they may remain faithful to the end.

THOUGHT: Do I consider His sanctuary a holy place?
PRAYER: O Lord, may I keep Thy place of worship holy.