By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
John 2:14-16 "In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!”"
The Jews were preparing for the passover celebrations. Trade was booming in the temple area. In the process, the purpose of the temple as a place of prayer and worship to God Almighty, was watered down. It was now more of a business area than a sacred place of worship. Jesus drove out the traders, rebuking them for turning His Father’s house of prayer into a den of thieves(Mark 11:17).
In the new testament period we are in, our bodies are the temple of God Who dwells in us. Our bodies therefore are temples of worship to God. But just as it was in Jesus days, people have turned their bodies into other businesses other the purpose of prayer, communion with God and worship. So much fills people’s lives which does not glorify God. Such abuses of God’s temple include immorality, drunkenness, drugs, cursing, thefts, impurity of all kinds, etc.
When Jesus comes into our lives, He drives out what is not meant to be done in us. We need to allow Him into our lives, His temple, to cleanse it so as to serve its rightful purpose of communion and worship to God. He breaks chains and bondages of those who can’t free themselves to worship God. We are to glorify God in our bodies. He stands at the door knocking. Let Him in and corporate with the Holy Spirit given to help us.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies."
Revelation 3:20 "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."
Shalom children of God.