The Temple Traders – CAC Living Water Devotional
THE LIVING WATER
CAC DAILY DEVOTIONAL GUIDE
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
THE TEMPLE TRADERS (I)
READ: Mark 11:15-17
MEMORISE: Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ” (Mark 11:17).
EXPOSITION:
The ancient Temple of God was a sacred place in Jerusalem, where offerings were made as commanded by God to the people of Israel (Ezra 4:1; 5:16). The Levitical priests were responsible for taking these offerings and understood the importance of keeping the Temple holy. It was a place that demanded respect and proper behaviour. People would bring specific animals, or birds for the forgiveness of their sins, depending on the severity. The High Priest had the authority to carry out these rituals (Lk. 1:21). Despite this highest level of sanctity being maintained in the Temple, some disgruntled elements and traditional liturgists would still devise means of defrauding people who came to make offerings in the Temple! They probably convinced them to buy things like rams, goats, pigeons, sheep and lambs, etc., that other worshippers had brought to the Temple. They made it seem like these things were of good quality. Merchandising in the house of prayer? Jesus Christ was clearly indignant at this! He did not approve of this kind of exchange in the Temple. Christ did not hide His displeasure (v. 6). He chased the buyers and sellers out of the Temple. Are you pleased with some nonsensical buying and selling in the house of God, today? No spirit-filled child of God will be happy with this kind of situation. Hence, the need for purging and reorientation, that God’s house is not a place of buying and selling
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Oh Lord, save Your Church from every spirit of merchandising.
2. Lord Jesus, help us to maintain high regard for Your Holy Temple, which is our body.
3. Pray for CAC Men Association, the Chairman and members as directed by the Spirit of God.
SUGGESTED HYMN FOR TODAY:
CAC GHB: 37
EXTRA READING FOR TODAY:
Psalms 88-93
May the Church be lifted and marching onto perfection through Christ our Lord, Amen and Shalom.
