Rev. Chism's Weekly Message

"13 It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found in the temple those who were selling cattle, sheep, and doves, as well as those involved in exchanging currency sitting there. 15 He made a whip from ropes and chased them all out of the temple, including the cattle and the sheep. He scattered the coins and overturned the tables of those who exchanged currency. 16 He said to the dove sellers, “Get these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a place of business.” 17 His disciples remembered that it is written, Passion for your house consumes me." - John 2:13-17

Today we find ourselves in the Temple of God with Jesus in a fit of anger. There were these guys that sold animals used for sacrifice during the Festival of Passover. It was customary for participants to sacrifice an animal. It's interesting that different animals symbolized different types of gratefulness to God. Jesus is often compared to a lamb. A lamb was one of the animals that was offered for repentance of sin. Burnt offerings represented an admittance of sin, but also used to signify complete surrender and commitment to God.

Jesus wanted these guys to get out of the Temple. They were cheating people with scales altered to so they could make a few more bucks. Blemished animals were not considered as expensive.... but they were most likely selling around the price of an unblemished animal. It was a racket in a place that belonged to God and was supposed to be holy.

I have experienced people defiling churches quite a bit. One family once solicited the elderly for thousands of dollars. Other times I've experienced staff members that worked behind the scenes to discredit not only myself, but also leadership. Many times, I've encountered a person or two that for whatever reason, despised the denomination of the church but stayed and complained nonetheless. And then there are the stories of a pastor or two that fell short and hurt the people.

The reality is sometimes we can lose our way. There is always redemption in God. Around every corner of failure there is the option of repentance and healing. Healing can occur.

Here is the reality. If toxic people do not receive reconciliation well, you need to help them leave. These are hard decisions. But here is the deal, a spiritually healthy church family is a powerful testimony to God. There should never be any barriers between our service to God.

Jesus made His own whip one day. A lot of times we focus on the meek and mild Jesus. Not this day. Jesus was going to whip a few people into shape. It was not to literally whip people like the British Navy did many years ago or white plantation workers that abused slaves in pure evil. It's an idiom, or saying, that has to do with correcting people due to their actions.

The Lord knows I have needed this a few times in my life. Imagine you having an honest discussion with a child or family member because of their decision. It's hard but necessary. You do it because of grace and an attempt to help them move past their misery, their mistake, or their sin.

Jesus, in anger, was in a cleaning mood. His whip was a symbol of anger because the Temple belonged to God. It was not a place to limit and defile the worship of people. The Temple was a holy place. People came to worship...not to be stolen from and hurt.

Jesus had "Passion" for the Temple. He also has passion for us and the Church. It is hurtful when people and situations defile church families.

We come to worship God. We come to glorify God. We come to thank Jesus for sacrificing His Life. We come to serve. We come to celebrate being a resurrected person. We come to learn and encourage ourselves to reach out and affirm all people who were created in the Image of God. We come to share grace so people that feel lost can know that they are loved by God and God's people.

Lent often whips me back into shape. God whips a lot of people back into shape this time of year. It's a time to remember our promise to God. And it's a time to let go of the things that hold us back.

Stay Safe,

Rev. Baxter