Zeal for God

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John 2:13-17
13When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!"
17His disciples remembered that it is written: "Zeal for your house will consume me."[b]
When I read this scripture, I see Jesus filled with power and anger. So often, portraits of Jesus show His calm, peaceful side, but here, I see that Jesus was indeed the Lion and the Lamb. Single handedly, with Samson-like strength, I see him turning over the tables and swinging his make shift whip in the air. I can almost hear him shouting, “Get out of here!” to all the money changers and vendors.

As a Christian, I’m often deceived into thinking that I have to be mild and weak. That “turn the other cheek” scripture has been distorted into a sort of let’s do nothing and let God do all the work. However, God doesn’t call us to be idle with our time here on Earth. My hope is that I’ll remember that Jesus is the lion just as much as He is the lamb. I have authority and power within me through Him to take action. I must not be idle or wimpy and just let the world run its sinful course.

Heavenly Father, I pray that zeal for Your house would consume me. Lord, I’ve been very complacent in my Christian life. I think about my friends Monica and Tony and how they are zealous for Your good. Please show me how to be more like that. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.