God is Bold

In review of Matthew 21:12-13 it says, Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, “The Scriptures declare, ‘My Temple will be called a house of prayer,’ but you have turned it into a den of thieves!”

Today's passage comes from the Matthew chapter 21, just after Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This passage speaks of the boldness of Jesus. As the passage states Jesus entered the Temple. He must have been appalled at what he saw. There were merchants within the temple and people were buying and selling animals for sacrifice. Jesus proceeded to know over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. He said to them, "The scriptures declare, 'My Temple will be called a house of prayer,' but you have turned it into a den of thieves!"  

It appears that people were so accustomed to the rules of the pharisees, which they had derived from the times of Moses. The pharisees appeared more interested in following the customs as they were in the original meaning behind them. The merchants found convenience in selling animals for sacrifice to those who traveled within the actual temple thus defiling the purpose.

This reminds me that often I too, can easily substitute process and procedure for what actually matters the most.

I'm also reminded of the boldness of Jesus. He stood up for what was right and took action.  He did not fear what the religious leaders would think of or even try to do to him.  I would have thought what Jesus did would have been considered very disruptive to the normal flow of commerce. I would have thought Authorities would have come and either arrested him or sternly warned him.  This action Jesus took is a great reminder for me to do what is right, regardless of what others should think or possibly even due to me.  

I can easily see that God is unashamed. God is not silent. God does not back down from seemingly impossible situations. He will make all things possible for those who believe. He is fearless.

Also, He is just. He will always do what is right and necessary for His people to return to Him. God stands boldly for righteousness and does not allow His name to be abused or stained. With strength from the Holy Spirit, I, too, can have this type of bold faith.

I should consider where I may need to be bold for the kingdom of God? Are there circumstances or situations around me that require me to take a stand?

Dear God, today I ask you to help me to be bold in my faith. Let me be part of a generation that is bold and fearless for the sake of Your name. Help me to believe all things are possible. May I stand in confidence to walk unnervingly in Your power and truth. In Jesus’ name.

Bottom Line:

God is Bold

What this means to me:

Like Jesus, I need to become bold, a man of integrity, who will stand in the gap and defend what is right, regardless of the potential outcome.