February 2, 2023
Trusting is Critical
“The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables.” John 2: 13-14 (NASB)
I often go into small and large stores on foreign vacations to look for trinkets or souvenirs. I think it’s always nice to have something to remember our trips. It kind of solidifies the pictures and experiences. We bring items home and show friends. Times are changing though. Over time, I notice more items are manufactured in China or Vietnam (to name a few). These items are made or manufactured at a fraction of the cost other countries would charge. I know costs rise for stores today. They have to find ways to sell items and maximize profits. I just think it is a little dishonest how they package it to be from their homeland.
In this story, Jesus is practicing the tradition of Passover. This was an annual procedure for every devout Jewish male over 12 years old. It was said that there could be up to one million people scattered in the region during Passover. While in their travels, worshippers came from all over to Jerusalem’s temple. Traveling took energy, so many of the worshippers did not bring sacrifices with them. They bought them while in Jerusalem. As a result, there were merchants on hand to provide for their needs. They were “those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers seated at their tables.” These men would exchange currency for the temple taxes and provide the animals needed for sacrifices. As with anything in mankind, there is always some who are dishonest. They made it about monetary gain. This materialistic and dishonest means was a blatant disrespect to God and His temple.
The problem is that we see this in every country in the world today. Blatant disrespect. Profit over service. The fast buck. It does however provide something for you and me to take a hard look at today though. Jesus won’t turn a blind eye, and neither should we.
In this world, culture tells us to take advantage of every situation. “You might not get another chance, so do it.” You’ve heard these old sayings, “It’s a dog eat dog out there” or, “Get what you can get, while you can get it.” Unfortunately, it has permeated our culture. We find those who want governmental support. Maybe it’s because we have lost the work ethic. Maybe folks want it all the easy way. This all didn’t just happen when the COVID stimulus checks came out either. It’s been there all along. It’s just dishonesty folks. Proverbs 11:1 says, “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight.” Again, in Proverbs 28:20, “A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.” We need to look at our self-first and see if there is any dishonesty.
Today and in the coming days would you take an inspection of your life and see if there is dishonesty in what you do? Remember the Proverbs quoted above. They lay some pretty hefty truths upon you and me. Is it time to start being fair of how you treat people in business or others around you? Or will you be like the merchants who try to turn a quick profit under the watching eye of God? Remember, “A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, But a just weight is His delight.” “A faithful man will abound with blessings, But he who makes haste to be rich will not go unpunished.”