What is the Church Being Used For?

“Jesus went into the Temple and threw out all the people who were buying and selling there. He turned over the tables of those who were exchanging different kinds of money, and he upset the benches of those who were selling doves. Jesus said to all the people there, 'It is written in the Scriptures, "My Temple will be called a house for prayer." But you are changing it into a "hideout for robbers."'” -Matthew 21:12-13

What is the church you’re going to used for? Is it a place for prayer and worship or a place for parties or to make a profit from selling money-making gimmicks. Jesus said the church is a place for prayer (Isaiah 56:7).

It is no wonder that Jesus got so upset when He saw what the people were doing. They were selling and buying goods for their personal financial gain by charging unfair rates in order to make more money. Jesus was also upset because they were doing evil things in a place of worship and prayer that was set apart for the Holy God.

It was not the first time Jesus caught people selling and buying goods to make a profit in the Temple. When Jesus went to the Temple to cleanse it for the Passover feast, He saw it had become a marketplace. He found the people selling cattle, sheep, and doves. He saw others sitting at tables, exchanging different kinds of money. He was not going to let them turn the house of the Lord into a place of profit. Jesus made a whip out of cords and forced all of the sheep and cattle out. He then turned the tables of the moneychangers and told them to leave (John 2:13-16).

The church is not used as a means for us to get rich but a place to go for prayer, worship, and fellowship with other believers. It is a place where the Holy and righteous God dwells, therefore, the church should be free from any evil practices.

Prayer of the day:

Dear heavenly Father,

We are sorry if we make Your house of prayer, a place for our financial gain. It is sad to learn what the people were doing at Your Holy Temple. We pray that people today won’t do the same thing. If they are, we pray for the courage to tell them what they are doing is wrong. We ask for strength from You to do it without fear. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!