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Greetings Children of God!
We have just celebrated the most Holy season of our faith. Jesus has ministered to thousands as he walked this earth and then in a series of events, he came to the most important time in earthly life. He suffered; he died; he was buried; and he rose from the grave.The grave could not hold him for God’s plans had been fulfilled.
The chosen reading for the month comes from Matthew 21:13. He said to them, “It’s written, My house will be called a house of prayer. But you’ve made it a hideout for crooks.”
This same part of the event is told in each of the four gospels. (Mark 11:17; Luke 19:46; and John 2:16) It is such a vital part of Jesus’ ministry that it necessitates being told in each gospel. We could say it is an act of Jesus clearing the pathway to God the Father. Jesus flips the tables, scatters the money, and sets animals free in the temple courts.
His anger wasn’t impulsive—it was righteous. He saw people being robbed in two devastating ways. First merchants, with the permission of the religious leaders, sold these animals to the people for them to use to make their sacrifice to God. The inflated prices for the event, in fact, were so outrageously p riced, that many travelers were gouged with rates of exchange that were astronomical. It was blatant financial robbery.
And secondly, the acts they committed were robbing the travelers of something far more extreme. There was a deeper theft of spiritual robbery. Those who couldn’t afford the inflated prices of exchange were excluded from the holy worship. They were left without the opportunity to pray and connect with God. The temple had been filled with obstacles that barred access to God’s presence for the poor and vulnerable. Jesus said, ENOUGH!
In our walk with Jesus, the world is always looking for ways to separate us from the presence of God. But Jesus has changed that. This is why he came into this world to tear down the barriers and remove the obstacles that try to separate us from the love of God.
The price has been paid and the path has been cleared. The invitation has been extended to all of God’s creation. No matter who you are or what you have done, now, there’s nothing blocking your way to God. In Jesus a great clearing has been made.
We can step into his house of prayer with gratitude knowing the pathway has been opened up and the doors are waiting for you to open them and walk into His presence. Thanks be to God!
Looking forward to seeing you soon,
Pastor Kathi Kraus