Good Business -- Very Bad Practice

S - “The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”” John 2:13-16 ESV 

O -  This is the first of three Passovers John's account records and the first time Jesus will confront the business of religion. The word translated as trade (ἐμπόριον) is defined as an emporium or mart. Webster says of emporium "1 a: a place of trade; especially: a commercial center b: a retail outlet 2: a store carrying many different kinds of merchandise." Interestingly enough, all of the listed merchandise was a part of what the scriptures instruct concerning the rituals and practices required at the temple. Such items were to be the means by which people would express their hearts and worship; not the means by which others would make their living and create additional income streams for the religion. All religions suffer from this tragic condition which actually inspires its adherents to oppose the very things they claim to believe and uphold.  It was scripturally legal but not spiritually right.  It looked good but was a deviation which propelled people the wrong way. “No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” The Pharisees [i.e. the scripture guys], who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him [Jesus]. And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:13-15 ESV) It was a problem in Jesus' day and remains one in ours.

A - Humans exalt increasing revenues.  Heaven is not against them but it is against everything which deceives the hearts and minds of people. It's not just religion which is the promoter of this problem with money.  I have the problem too … Logical thinking which isn't' right thinking.  Money wants me to love it and trust it but it will never love me and is never trustworthy, according to Jesus. He never wants me to be motivated by fear of want (Luke 12:22-34) or by gains made (Luke 12:13-21).  I will embrace the counsel found in 1 Corinthians 3:18-20: “Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God. For it is written, " He is THE ONE WHO CATCHES THE WISE IN THEIR CRAFTINESS "; and again, "THE LORD KNOWS THE REASONINGS of the wise, THAT THEY ARE USELESS."” [NASB] 

P - God of daily bread,

I am grateful that you willingly take responsibility for our lives … all of our lives. It's how Jesus taught us to pray and live; believing you for one day at a time.  I admit my vulnerability to the things which this words exalts and which you hold as an abomination.  I need and want the ongoing transformation you insist on and Jesus provides.  Thank you for loving us and for letting us live, grow, learn and pray in Jesus and in his name.

Steve