John 2:13-17 — It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. 14 In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. 15 Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. JOHN 2:16 Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” 17 Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “PASSION for God’s HOUSE will consume me.”
1. Consumer hearts offer what’s left. Consumed hearts offer what’s best.
“Honour the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything you produce.” – Proverbs 3:9
- BEST = Principal of first; first fruits; begins in
- THE TITHE = FIRST 10%
- PRODUCE = REVENUE; CROPS AS DETERMINED BY SEASON
Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” (NLT) John 2:16
- People who sold doves = people peddling peace that passes away
Jesus replied, “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” – Luke 11:28
2. A consumer heart is compelled by profit. A consumed heart is compelled by passion.
Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal (passion) for Your house has eaten Me up. (consumed Me)” – Psalm 69:9 / John 2:17
- ZEAL = zeal, ardor in embracing, pursuing, defending anything: zeal in behalf of, for a person or thing
- ARDOR = Enthusiasm or passion, eagerness, fire, intensity, dedication, devotion, readiness
- The entitled consumer heart becomes critical of God’s house
- The enthusiastic & passionate consumed heart is committed to contribution toward God’s house
- Celebration shown by your contribution kills a critical spirit
3. Consumer hearts are fixed on circumstances. Consumed hearts are fixes on Christ.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. PHILIPPIANS 4:19 And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. Hebrews 12:1
This week’s activation: consumer or consumed?
Read John 2:13-17
1. What’s left or what’s best?
- Read – Proverbs 3:9, Luke 12:34
- Ask: Am I bringing my FIRST of God’s provision as my best to His house or a portion of what is left over?
2. Poverty lens or peace lens?
- Read – John 2:16, Luke 11:28
- Ask: Do I trust God’s assurance of my provision as my “enough?”
3. Compelled by profit or compelled by passion?
- Read – John 2:17
- Ask: Am I celebrating God’s house by contributing financially to God’s house?
4. Heart fixed on circumstances or heart fixed on Christ?
- Read – Hebrews 12:1, Philippians 4:19
- Ask: Do the circumstances in my life consume me or am I consumed by the covering of Jesus Christ as my provision?
PRAY: Jesus, I am rich because of who you are and what you have done for me on the cross. Help me to grow every day 1% more consumed in passion for your Father’s house. Show me where can bring my best in greater measure. Amen!