May 7

Mark 11:12-19 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

17And he was teaching them and saying to them, "Is it not written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations'? But you have made it a den of robbers."

Observation

Initially what stood out to me is that Jesus was hungry when we approaches the fig tree. I wonder about the significance. I don't remember (I don't think there are any other instances) him cursing anyone or anything else other than this fig tree. It seems kind of strong. Does the fig tree represent Judaism?

It is interesting to me that Mark does not describe what Jesus is feeling, but rather describes his actions. In other moments in the gospels Jesus is described as indignant, etc (when the disciples kept the little children from Jesus). Jesus contrasts a house of prayer for all peoples with a den of robbers. Sometimes when I read this passage I wonder if we (churches in the US) have elements that need to be cleansed.

Application

There are two ways that I sense the Spirit directing my thoughts. The first is to live a fruitful life by abiding in Christ. To live according to his design for my life.

The second is that I want to live in and participate in his house of prayer.
Realizing that the God of the universe resides within us through his Spirit I begin to reflect on how this temple is doing. Can I invite Jesus to clean this temple so it is a true house of prayer? What part of my life and soul needs to be cleansed so that there is purity and right relatedness (to God and to others) in relationship and conversation (aka prayer) with our loving ABBA?

Prayer

Loving Father, eternal Son and Holy Spirit, guide my thoughts to areas of my life that need to be cleaned up so that your Spirit can have free reign in my life (thoughts, deeds and attitudes). Help direct me back to having the same mind and attitude as that of your son Jesus Christ. An attitude of humble and gentle service. Empower me to direct my thoughts towards lifting up the interests of others and putting them before my interests. Father, I have such a long way to go in continually knowing and doing your will with the mind of Christ. I cry out for your kindness to lead me back to you and your wise ways. May I live in such a way that your kingdom of love, justice, truth and mercy be built up today by your Spirit's gentle ways. Amen.

--John Loppnow