Mark 11:15 On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves
When Jesus entered the temple courts, he found merchants selling animals and exchanging money. Filled with righteous anger, he drove them out, declaring “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
Out with the Old
Have you ever felt God nudging you to do some spiritual “spring cleaning” in your life? Just as Jesus drove out the money changers from the temple courts, there are attitudes, habits, and mindsets in our hearts that prevent us from fully experiencing God’s presence.
Like a good spring cleaning, it may feel uncomfortable at first to finally address and remove things weighing us down.
But as Jesus demonstrated in the temple courts, he wants our lives to be filled with his vibrant, living presence – not crowded out by lesser things.
Sweeping Away the Clutter
Once the merchants were gone, Jesus powerfully taught the crowds daily in the temple courts. Similarly, as we make room for God by removing anything that distracts us from pursuing him wholeheartedly, we open ourselves to hear from him more clearly.
Spring cleaning takes effort, but the reward is a cleaner, less cluttered home.
Likewise, intentionally removing distractions and obstacles in our spiritual lives takes work, but enables us to experience more of God’s presence and peace.
As the warmer weather arrives, consider what needs “cleaning out” in your heart to make more room for God this season.
A Place Set Apart
After teaching in the temple courts, Jesus and his disciples returned to Bethany each evening. Though he devoted himself to ministering in Jerusalem by day, he prioritized time away in a quiet place by night.
Likewise, we need both: serving God in our everyday lives, and setting apart time to be alone with him. If we’re only active, we’ll burn out. If we only retreat, we’ll miss opportunities to bless others.
Rhythms of work and rest, community and solitude, keep our souls in balance. Daily we need space to pray, reflect, and realign ourselves with God away from the rush and noise.
When our souls are nourished by time with God, we’re empowered to serve and share his love generously.
Take time to sweep away distractions, open your heart to God, and discover the new life he desires to grow within you.
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