Traditions. They don't seem to be celebrated with the same sentiment today as I imagine in times long ago. But I sure do like the idea of having a dear old family tradition. I was not raised in a home where we held true to many, but I so admire those who have kept them. Even as we near the holiday season, it makes me long for something nostalgic, some tried and true tradition that others would cling to as well and celebrate with me, remembering how it used to be. Because that's what makes a tradition special. The honor of it. The respect and quiet solitude you show toward whatever actions others began with intention that made it sacred, that kept it true. Tradition. That's what always comes to mind when I read this account of Jesus turning over the tables of the merchants who set up theirs booths in the temple. At least it's now one of the burdens I realize behind His actions, once I understood that to Him, yes, this was a sacred place, a holy temple... But this was also an annual event. Jesus had come to Jerusalem as did many other travelers because it was the Passover Festival, the tradition celebrated annually by the Israelite people to remember their heritage... their Exodus from Egypt, their freedom from slavery, the faithfulness of their God. And it was part of Jesus' family tradition... Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. Luke 2:41 NLT And it also marked a significant life event when he was left behind at the age of twelve, while his family absently headed back home without him. His parents were devastated during the three days of searching. But when they found Him, He was safe in the temple, calmly sitting among a crowd of scholars discussing higher things. And He seemingly could not understand their confusion or despair when He replied to His parents... “Why were you looking for Me? Do you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?” Luke 2:49 Jesus, even as young as twelve, was simply comfortable, and at home in the House of God. He had taken up residence, literally. I mean, his parents had left him behind. So He needed a place to stay. And when these men took Him in, gave him a place to sleep and meals to eat, I imagine they found Him quite unique and surprising, at ease, even in His left behind state. He knew that this was His Father's house. You know, like when you go back home to visit and know you're way around. Maybe it's not where you live all the time, but it's still a comfortable place to be. Often times it holds memories and tradition. And Jesus simply belonged there, even though his parents did't understand. Nor could these money changers and merchants who had now set up shop. Can you imagine? Jesus comes back into Jerusalem. Just as He always did... every year for the Passover festival. He no longer lives with His parents, but this is tradition, this is a very honored celebration and holy time for the Jewish people. This is where Jesus remembers spending time "camping out" when He was twelve and first felt really at home in His Father's house. And Jesus expects to enter the temple and speak to the same crowd of scholars whom He sees each year. He expects to be able to pray in peace and sense presence of His Father. But instead... Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. John 2:13-14 NKJV Animals being sold... not just for profit, but for sacrifice. Because it was convenient. So that people wouldn't have to "bother" with bringing their own firstborn from their heard at home all the way on the long trip to get here. They could just make a quick stop outside the temple and buy a sacrifice then give it to the priest. Because that's what God wants... right? Clearly Jesus walks upon a scene that not only does not fit the tradition worthy of the Passover Festival, but it has completely changed the meaning of the sacrifice that was the basis of a repentant heart coming unto God. And He has a reason to be upset. His expectations are not met. He has a just anger at their complete disrespect for this holy place and this tradition of the Israelite people. This is His Father's house. Who would tolerate someone treating their father's house with such disrespect and dishonor. Jesus was a good Son defending the House of His Father. Jesus had a righteous anger protecting the holiness of a tradition that celebrated God's deliverance and faithfulness; Of holding true the meaning of sacrifice and it's dedicated heart to God. Are we also willing to stand up for the holiness of our God? Are we also in a habit of showing up to the house of our Father so often that we would know when it was no longer honoring Him? Let us not lose heart. Let us not allow our flame to flicker or grow dim. But rather let us fan the flame and burn hot for the passion of God within. Word of God train me today... To honor the glory of Your name. To stand faithful in defense of Your righteousness.
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January 2019
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