Is it time to rededicate the temple of our hearts to the LORD?
“Now that our enemies have been crushed,
let us go up to purify the sanctuary and rededicate it.”
Our hearts are defiled by the occupation of the Gentiles and the idols they worship. Our hearts are meant to be houses of prayer. But we are disappointed to find that they are not selfless. They become dens of thieves. The buying and selling of things takes the place in our hearts that is meant for God. The God who transcends the world is usurped from his throne and the world he has made takes his rightful place.
But even hearts like these can sense the freedom Jesus offers. We find ourselves "hanging on his words". Let us invite him into our temples to drive from us all of our idols. Our hearts are made to be dwelling places for the Most High.
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith (cf. Eph. 3:16).
Why does this seem trivial? Why does this not make us more grateful? Why does it not motivate us more than it does? If we actually understood that quote from Ephesians how could we not shout for joy at such an unbelievable blessing? God. Wants. To. Live. In. Us.
Jesus answered him, "If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him" (cf. Joh. 14:23).
The idols and the money changers are to blame. They are at fault. They draw our attention to things which, while, mundane, tedious, and burdensome, make the higher things of God seem distant and implausible. The higher things of God are not distant and implausible. But through the lens of idols we can't expect to see them clearly. Of course, we don't think of them as idols. In our minds they have categories such as necessities, the daily grind, pursuits of our passion, hobbies, entertainment, or any number of other legitimate goods. But when they come first and God comes second the view we are meant to have of him is distorted.
Again, we are made to be dwelling places for God.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me (cf. Rev. 3:20).
If our hearts are too messy for Jesus we can take comfort. He himself is willing to take on the cleaning projects necessary to make us suitable dwelling places for him. With the Centurions we pray, "Lord, I am not worthy to have you come under my roof, but only say the word, and my servant will be healed." We trust in the healing power of Jesus.
Let us give him permission to do whatever he needs to do. It might not be that pleasant. He might have to chase idols from us with a cord of whips. But it is for our benefit.
God "disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (cf. Heb 12:11).
We are meant to live "for the praise of his glory" (cf. Eph. 1:12). When we live for the purpose for which we are made we experience the joy God intends for us.
There was great joy among the people
now that the disgrace of the Gentiles was removed.
When God reigns on the thrones of our hearts we have every reason to rejoice.
Blessed may you be, O LORD,
God of Israel our father,
from eternity to eternity.
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