March 3, 2009

Read John 2:13-22

He told those who were selling the doves, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my Father's house a marketplace!" His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me." The Jews then said to him, "What sign can you show us for doing this?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews then said, "This temple has been under construction for forty-six years, and will you raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking of the temple of his body.—John 2:16-21

In times of trouble, good TV drama actors can often include short prayers to God that go something like this; “If you get me through this, I promise I’ll live a better life.” Or, “If you’re really up there, give me a sign.” In our hectic lives, we often think that God has forgotten about us and we test God, just as the Jews tested Jesus, to prove divine existence. Usually, the problem isn’t in the lack of God’s presence or power, but in the lack of our serenity and calmness to hear God’s voice. I believe the marketplace in this story represents our everyday life. Our work, errands, and family commitments all hinder us from listening to God. True faith is believing before something happens. It’s believing that God will help when asked. And, it means that we are not to test God with “If you’re up there….” Or “Get me out of this and I’ll…” As we read scripture and try our best to make sense of it, let God speak to you and bring a fresh air to the ancient words.

Pray: Dear God, we know you exist. We know that you are there to hear us, comfort us and heal us. But God, we know that we must take time to talk with you, to learn more about you and to offer up our prayers. I commit to making this Lenten season a time when I will draw closer to you; because of your love for me and for the gift of your Son. Amen.

Andy Waggoner is the Director of Worship Ministries at The Gathering, and is also the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Collinsville Chorale and participates in acting and musically directing community theatre.