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The word zeal isn’t one we hear very often. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to hear it come up in everyday conversation. The dictionary defines zeal as “great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.” Some related words include passion, intensity, devotion, and fire.
As Jesus’ final week began, His issues with the established religious order escalated, starting when He rode into Jerusalem on what we now affectionately call Palm Sunday. Things heated up more the following day, as Jesus walked into the Temple and saw those He referred to as “robbers” taking advantage of God’s people.
Naturally, Jesus, being filled with zeal (passion, intensity, devotion, and fire) for God’s house and God’s children, took action. He “entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves” (Matthew 21:12 NIV). Jesus absolutely would not stand for such abuse upon those who sought to be closer to God. These were men and women coming to the temple, both from in Jerusalem and from far outside Jerusalem, in order to offer a sacrifice to the Lord, and they were being taken advantage of.
At that moment, once again, He showed Himself to be the voice of the voiceless and the defender of the defenseless. He caused a scene, ruffled some feathers, and no doubt stirred hearts. He disrupted the business of religion and, in doing so, drew the anger of the religious leaders who had already decided to have Him killed.
There’s something powerful we need to see here: this wasn’t the first time Jesus did this. In John 2:13–25, we’re told that toward the beginning of His ministry, three years earlier, Jesus did the very same thing! So, if you think about it, He pretty much bookended His public ministry with the same action—He began it with clearing the temple and He ended it by clearing the temple.
Why is this important? Because it’s exactly what He does in us! In our lives, when we first come to Jesus, He comes into our hearts and lives and cleanses our temples. He turns over table after table of our old lives. He drives out the thief who seeks to steal, kill, and destroy our souls (John 10:10) and then Jesus takes up residence in our temples. He who made His dwelling among us (John 1:14) now makes His dwelling within us (Romans 8:10).
But thank the Lord that’s not the end of it . . . How so? Because just as Jesus returned to Jerusalem and turned the tables over again, every once in a while our hearts require tables to be turned over again! From time to time, sometimes from minute to minute, we need the Lord of All Creation to turn over the tables of things like idolatry, strongholds, secret sin, and bitterness. We need Him to drive out the things that have set up residence in our hearts that are not of Him. And the beautiful thing of it all is that He never loses His zeal, passion, or fire for us! His love never needs rekindling. He is zealous for us, and He never gives up on us.
Today, press into Him. Ask Him to search your heart to “See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:24 NIV) and trust that “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV).
DAILY EXAMEN
1. Become aware of the presence of God.
Breathe in deeply and silently pray, “You are here, God.” Then breathe out and pray, “I am here with You,
God.” Do this until you are focused on God and are aware of His presence.
2. Give thanks
Review your day while grounded in the peace of God’s presence. Give thanks for each detail you can
recall, each gift, and even each difficulty.
3. Become aware of your emotions
Think over how you feel here and now, and why. Name the emotions and give those emotions to God. If
what you have learned from today’s devotion, rejoice! If you closed your heart to what God has been
saying to you, confess and plan to make amends.
4. Pick one thing that happened today and pray.
Choose a joy or a sorrow that you experienced today and turn your heart towards prayer over it. Pray with
boldness and confidence that the Father will heal and respond as He desires.
5. Look with hope towards what tomorrow brings.
As you close out your day, commit the coming day to the Lord with trust and hope.