Holy Week

Jesus went straight to the Temple and threw out everyone who had set up shop, buying and selling. He kicked over the tables of loan sharks and the stalls of dove merchants. He quoted this text: My house was designated a house of prayer; You have made it a hangout for thieves. Now there was room for the blind and crippled to get in. They came to Jesus and he healed them. Matthew 21:12-14 (The Message)

Perhaps, in this incident, there is a lesson for the church to be aware that we can fall into the trap of employing dubious methods in promoting our existence. Is it a question of motives? So often, in reading this passage our minds go straight to the issue of Jesus Righteous Indignation. But what motivated the temple trades folk to see up shop; indeed, should we ask, what motivates us?

Pastor Glen Davidson, of Dalkena Community Church, felt God's call to the ministry while working as a successful businessman. He began taking Bible courses at night, and eventually obtained his theology degree. 

Prior to graduation, he informed his boss that he'd be leaving shortly to work as a pastor in a rural church. Neither the owner of the company or the boss believed it, and they neglected to obtain a replacement for Glen. Eventually Glen told the boss that he really was leaving and they needed to locate a replacement as soon as possible. The owner of the company still doubting Glen's sincerity, instructed Glen's boss, "Offer him a $500.00 raise, and if he takes it, fire him on the spot!" Others often see what truly motivates us.

Another example can be found in the life of Albert Orsborn of the Salvation Army who  was in charge of a very successful “division” (similar to District or Diocese) comprising of many corps (churches) and social service centres. 

The administration decided that this large area should be halved, and Orsborn felt disheartened that some of his responsibility would be removed. He even considered resigning! Soon afterward, he became ill, and also fell and broke his foot. While recovering, he heard a group nearby singing the words: “Nothing from His altar I would keep.” The thought touched his heart and inspired him to write the  song below and resume his duties for the Lord. In this hymn he questioned what motivated him?

Have I worked for hireling wages,
Or as one with vows to keep,
With a heart whose love engages
Life or death, to save the sheep?
All is known to Thee, my Master,
All is known, and that is why
I can work and wait the verdict
Of Thy kind but searching eye.

Prayer

Truth be told, Jesus,

There are lots of tables that need overturning in our lives; Beneath the veneer of respectability the tidy rows and neat regulations hide dark addictions and angry judgements hungry greeds and heartless rejections

We know the pain—and so do those around us—of keeping up the facade; What a relief it would be to have it all upset, smashed, scattered, destroyed

So, perhaps, Jesus, today you could pay us a visit and help us to radically rearrange the furniture of our lives. Amen.