Jesus upended the chairs of those selling doves in the temple (MT 1:21). Doves were the offering of the poor, God's provision for those who could not afford a cow or lamb. Oh the burden this bazaar put on the poor. They had to scrape to buy one dove, and if they wanted to show extra love by buying another to offer God, the more they were penalized. The holier a person wanted to be, the harder their life was. The sellers cheated the poor by taking advantage of their piety. What was meant to be a benefit for the poor degenerated into a burden.
Do not think Jesus' cleansing of the temple is ancient history, having no bearing on us today. Jesus still needs to come cleanse His people. He is the only one who can do this. We must seek His face, and plead for Him to glorify Himself, whatever the cost. We have to be willing to be changed.
Jesus was able to cleanse the temple, but the religious leaders wouldn't let Him cleanse their hearts. Let's not be like them. From preacher to back pew, let's admit our sins, and yield to knowing cleansing is our primary need.
When Jesus comes in answer to His people's prayers, no church can remain impure. As people draw closer to Him, all around them is touched with holiness. He may choose to cleanse us through persecutions or failures or setbacks. Are we willing to pray "Whatever it takes, Lord Jesus. Do a mighty work in me first"?
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