I read something cool today : )

[Cinnamon-mom]

I was doing my afternoon devotion just now and it was in Mark 11 where Jesus cleanses the temple, overturning the tables of the moneychangers and the seats of the people who sold doves. He says, "Is it not written, My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations." (v. 17)

I have read that verse many times but I never really understood the FULL meaning of this passage. Jesus was standing in the outer court of the Temple that was called the "Court of the Gentiles" and it was NOTHING like what He said the Temple was to be for the Gentile believers. When He says "Is it not written" He is refering to Isaiah 56:6-7 that says,

"And foreigners who bind themselves to the LORD
to serve him, to love the name of the LORD
and to worship him,
all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it
and who hold fast to my covenant--
these I will bring to my holy mountain
and give them joy in my house of prayer.
Their burnt offerings and sacrifices
will be accepted on my altar;
for my house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations."

Outsiders were being prevented from coming to God in prayer. They were being bombarded by theives who sought to distract them with "religious requirements" in order to make a personal profit.

What I see is that they were not just stealing money from people, they were stealing hearts from God. And this shows how even in the Old Testament, God had salvation for the Gentiles who would worship Him, keep the Sabbath, follow the covenant, and offer sacrifices. The ministry of to the Gentiles was not just a New Testament thing! And now that God has done away with the Old Covenant through the Law, people from EVERY nation can come into the Holy of Holies in prayer.

Even better!

 

[coffeegirl74]

Jan. 24, 2010 at 8:04 PM

So true! I love when scripture comes alive in a way we hadn't seen it before. = ]