The Tables Are Turning

The image in John 2 of Jesus flipping tables over, obviously a physical expression of His zeal for the house of the Lord and His anger against improper activity within the same, has more to say about worship and the character / person of Jesus to be worshiped than it does about whether or not it is a good idea to have bake sales or rummage sales on church property.   Arguably, the service being provided by the merchants selling animals to be sacrificed, as a convenience for travelers coming in to the temple to worship for example, was probably a good thing.  The problem wasn’t so much what they were doing but rather the fact that the activity of commerce in the Court of Gentiles (a likely location within the outer wall of the temple complex) would have been a detraction from or a distraction to Gentile God-fearers or Gentile seekers who had come to the temple to worship.

The character of Jesus and His zeal for His Father’s house, exemplifies not only a zeal for the perfection and presentation for our worship focus, but also His compassionate desire that nothing would keep or distract seeking individuals from coming to Him to worship.  What are the activities in our lives, and quite possibly very rational, arguably necessary and helpful activities for the conveniences of our day, that unfortunately may be a distraction or prevention for seeking individuals to see Jesus through our own personal character?  Jesus desires that people would come to Him and that they would find Him in their seeking.  And He has given us the opportunity to be a reflection of Who He is and His character by how we live our lives and conduct the business of our day.  I believe the tables are turning where true reflection and opportunity for true worship will be the order of business for our lives.  Mike