Lenten Devotionals from our DS's wife Robbie Craker

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.

When the religious leaders saw the outrageous things he was doing, and heard all the children running and shouting through the Temple, "Hosanna to David's Son!" they were up in arms and took him to task. "Do you hear what these children are saying?"

Jesus said, "Yes, I hear them. And haven't you read in God's Word, 'From the mouths of children and babies I'll furnish a place of praise'?"

Fed up, Jesus turned on his heel and left the city for Bethany, where he spent the night. –Matthew 21:12-17 (The Message)

Celebration-- Children and adults singing and shouting – waving palm branches – rolling out the red carpet - It’s Palm Sunday.

Following the celebration He heads straight to the Temple. I wonder if He was planning to spend time in prayer and worship. He often went away to pray following an intense time with the crowd. But He’s upset – let’s just say it truthfully – He’s angry. He’s not angry with the children, He’s not angry with the disciples, He’s not angry with the women, He’s not angry with the Gentiles – He’s angry with those who are to provide a place of worship and intercession for the people.

With their rituals and money-making schemes they’re keeping the people out. There’s no room for the women and children. There’s no room for the crippled and the blind. There’s no room for the Gentiles.

What would Jesus say to you if He arrived at your church on a Sunday morning? Would He find it a place for people of all ages? Would He find it a place for the unlovely? Would He find it a place for the broken – physically, spiritually, relationally? Would He find it a place for those who are different from you?

Or would He find it a place where we keep everything neat and tidy – no messy people please! No people with different opinions. No people with brokenness. No people of different color or socio-economic background.

And for a deeper look – how does He find your heart today? Does He see prejudice? Does He see fear of people who look, act, smell, vote, or worship differently?

Our hearts must be hearts of prayer. Our churches must be churches of prayer. Our hearts must be full of hospitality to all people. Our churches must be full of hospitality to all people.

So, today, as the cross looms closer and closer, what needs to be cleaned out, overturned, kicked over in your heart? In your church?

Father, once again we open the doors of our hearts to You. Turn over anything that needs to be turned over. Clean out anything that needs to be cleaned out. Kick over anything that needs to be kicked over. We want to have room for You and all those You’ve created. And we want the same in our churches. For Your Son’s glory. Amen