Cleaning house

I believe that emotions are both a gift and a miracle! How amazing is it that Jesus gave us ways to deeply experience both the joys and frustrations of life?

During Holy Week, you may experience many of these emotions. Today, we are going to reflect on anger. As the week moves along, sorrow and grief will take its place, and finally, we will encounter the absolute joy of the resurrection of Jesus.

On Holy Monday, Jesus reclaims His Father’s house. Jesus is angry that the temple has been turned into a house of commerce and exploitation instead of a house of prayer. The money changers were not following the Law of God at all! In righteous anger, this is how Jesus responds:

“On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. And as He taught them, He said, ‘Is it not written: “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations”? But you have made it a den of robbers.’” (Mark 11:15-17, NIV)

I would love to point out two small but amazing miracles in this situation. One actually comes from an often-overlooked moment in Mark 11:11: “Jesus entered Jerusalem and went to the temple. He looked around at everything but since it was already late, He went out…” (Mark 11:11, NIV) I love that Jesus pauses and prepares His heart to make sure His anger is directed in a truly GODLY way. Every time you pause before you become angry, it is a miracle!

Another miracle is in this simple statement: “My house will be called a house of prayer.” Today, you have access to the house of prayer in heaven! God is listening to every word that you say! It’s a miracle! On this Holy Monday, as we prepare to enter a miraculous moment of communication with Jesus:

• Is there a “pause” you need to take that will ensure anger is handled in a godly way?
• Do you need to confess any ungodly anger in your life right now?
• Before you start “turning tables,” have you asked God if your anger is justified?
• Have you prayed and asked Jesus to help you in the situation that’s causing your anger?
• Have you thanked God for access to His house of prayer?

Pause. Take a moment. Breathe. Pray.

Now, thank God for His righteous anger towards your sin. Confess. Repent. And thank God for His grace and mercy. Both grace and mercy are truly Easter miracles!

Believing today for your miracle!

Grant Fishbook

P.S. The texts of this reading come from the daily email A Miracle Every Day. If you want to receive an email every day, I invite you to subscribe to A Miracle Every Day