John 2:16 Do not make My Father’s House a house of merchandise!
The Benefit of Provision is one that many believers don’t accept. We work hard to make it on our own. Those with an entrepreneurial spirit naturally see business opportunities before them all the time. Everything they enter into is quickly turned into a business and a way to make money.
Unfortunately, the Church has become quite entrepreneurial in nature. Inside many churches, we find coffee shops, restaurants, book stores and gift shops. I have to tell you, I don’t like this. I don’t believe God intends for His House to be a place of business.
When we feel like we need to sell our ministry, we are not trusting God for His Benefit of Provision. This is a subject that is quite controversial, but I believe the incident we find in the 2nd Chapter of John makes it pretty clear how God feels about it.
Now the Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And He found in the Temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers doing business. When He had made a whip of cords, He drove them all out of the Temple, with the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overturned the tables. And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things away! Do not make My Father’s House a house of merchandise!” Then His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” (John 2:13-16)
Please note that Jesus didn’t just ask for their attention and suggest they leave and do their business elsewhere. He drove them out with a whip! He turned over their tables, causing all the merchandise and money to be scattered everywhere. Jesus was angry when He found this activity going on in His Father’s House.
So I ask you, what would Jesus do if He walked into your church today? What would He find? Would He make a whip and drive some people out?
Are we going to trust God to provide for His Ministry, or not? God wants us to trust Him for His Benefit of Provision. He will absolutely provide if we give Him the chance and trust Him to do so.
Trusting God to provide will........turn the tide ........in your life.
Trusting Him completely! Doreen
