Den of Thieves

And he said to them: ¨It is written ´my house will be called a house of prayer,´ but you are making it a cave of robbers.¨ Matthew 21:13 (Reference Bible)

When Jesus went into the temple (church), He found that there were all kinds of business being carried out there.  People were buying and selling and making their living by preying off of those who came to worship there.  It is altogether so simple to point the accusative finger and say shame on them.  But is it so far from what we have today?

Honest people everywhere and throughout history have felt that deep yearning inside their souls and have come into the house of the Lord to find rest.  It seems that the human subconscious is more honest than its conscious pondering.  We sense rather than understand, that we are created beings who out of necessity, need to draw near and adjust ourselves to our Maker.

Those haunted souls who fight against this secret pull of the heart, turn to all kinds of depravity to try to escape the honesty of their soul.

So then people flock together and congregate in the synagogues and churches.  They come, to find that what they lack.

What Jesus found that day when He entered the temple, was cleverly disguised opportunists who knew that their clients were sure to come and would be in need of what they had to sell.  This did not sit well with Him at all.  He saw clearly into the heart of the true seeker of God and could not bear to have anyone spoil such pure intention.

People came to the house of the Lord to find their God there.  They needed to pray and to adjust themselves in a special moment in a special place.  Instead what the people found was capitalism disguising itself under the name of religion.

In many ways history repeats itself.  Far too much of this attitude is seeping back into churches everywhere.  The entrance hall to many churches, where once was a quiet reverent place, is now decorated with tables selling the latest religious book or Bible.  We may not see it strange, but to an outsider coming in for the first time, even the offering plates and bags of money being passed around may strike them in a curious way.

We Christians need to be ever so careful even today.  All churches everywhere, if they would like to consider themselves true God-fearing churches, should take all precaution not to fall into the trap of becoming a den of thieves.

It is true that many people may be greatly helped by the literature, CDs or courses that we push from our pulpits every week.  But we must remember Jesus´ words when He instructs some, that the same instruction is given for our own healing as well.  Instead of pointing that finger in accusation to the Jews of Jesus´ time, let us realize that as we form the hand to point, most of the fingers are actually directed back at us.

So let us open our ears to Jesus´s words, let us consider what our Savior´s intention for the church was.  Let us open our doors in a friendly inviting way to all seekers of the divine.  Let us have an eye to see that what they might find when they come to approach the Lord. Let us make sure that what they see is not a place where business is being held.  But rather they find a place where their heart is warmed and they can approach the Lord in complete comfort and honesty.

Dear Lord, perhaps we are in need of a little house cleaning today.  Please visit Your churches and tip over whatever tables You need, to purify the house of Your Father.  Make our churches a good and safe place where people can come to find You there.  Let it be said again that Your house is a house of prayer.

Amen