Pull up a chair at Jesus’ final week, eavesdropping on His conversations, attending His carefully crafted Synagogue lessons, standing amazed by His miracles. With dusty feet, burning ears and hearts ablaze, uncover life-altering truths and discover the ways of an upside-down Kingdom and its King.

The timid, Capernaum couple, toddler on the young wife’s hip, stood with mouths agape. “A golden denar for our pigeons? That’s almost a month’s wage! We saved 6 months to make appropriate sacrifices for our family,” pleaded the husband. The merchant, waving his hand dismissively, retorted callously, “Then you will have to borrow the money from the Temple with interest.”

Jesus, observing nearby, would hear no more.

And He… began to drive out those who sold, saying to them,  “It is written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a robber’s den.” Luke 19:45-46

Utterly justified in expelling these mercenaries, He concisely demonstrated His issue with conducting unethical business in His Father’s house.

Yet, sometimes in this account, we allow His words to take a back seat to His vehement actions—“My Father’s house shall be called a house of prayer.”

A house of singing, sermons, sacrifices? These practices are important, but not the words He chose to describe His Father’s house. Prayer was primary, both for Himself and His followers. Why? Could it be prayer is more intimate and multi-faceted than we imagined?

Simply stated, it was conversation with His Father, sharing His deepest desires, concerns, even anxieties, then listening for God’s loving affirmation, hopeful words and clear response.

Connection with our Father, prayer encourages a close encounter creating intimacy, trust and a kindred friendship. 

Looking forward, why did Jesus give His life on the cruel Roman cross?

To ensure the cosmic reconnection of humanity with God!

In a relationship, connection must be more than occasional–that’s an acquaintance.

Jesus did not die to acquaint us with His Father; He died so we can become part of His family! 

Is there something hindering you from connecting?

• Doubt
• Insecurity
• Busyness
• Indifference
• Thinking He’s too busy

These can sometimes deter me, but Jesus covets our intimate and confident connection with God.

He wants you as His own, and His Father deeply desires your kinship, so much so He gave His only Son for YOU!

There’s a sound I love to hear. It’s the sound of the Savior’s robe as He walks into the room. Where we hear worship, He hears faith.  Awake My Soul, Hillsong Worship

Little, big and everything in between, He wants to listen and discuss it all. This was one of the reasons for Jesus’ forceful actions that day. 

The second—He hated the injustice, the blatant corruption and abuse of His people.

It’s not in Jesus’ DNA to witness injustice and stand silent.

He was resolutely righteous in driving out those exploiting His own. And He’s still in the business of fierce protection and safeguarding what is His. We are His, and He defends what belongs to Him.

Is it always in the way we view safety and security? History answers this for us. Not always, but rest assured, our ultimate good is His goal. (Rom.8:28)

When His protection appears other-worldly, it’s tempting to think Him uncaring, removed, complacent. But don’t allow these lies to shred your soul. 

Dig your heels into His soft, concave palm and hold on.

He promises to hold us, shelter us, loving us through our messes and crises. (Psalm 91)

He longs to listen intently and compassionately, impart needed wisdom, heal brokenness, and shelter us like a mother hen protecting her chicks as they nestle in. (Luke 13:34)

He will fiercely drive out enemies, in whatever form—lies, distractions, sin; we have but to ask, then allow Him—in His perfect way and time.  

Let’s talk with Him today-intimately, honestly, candidly, and trust He’s got us, because He does.

“Those who live in the shelter of the most High, will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; He is my God, and I will trust Him. ” Psalm 91:1