Preparing for Easter ~ Place of Worship

[Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations…from everlasting to everlasting  Psalm 90:1-2  

During this season of reflection and renewal, join me, and let's explore God’s Presence, our dwelling place.  Are you dwelling in the presence of God? ~ Donna Howell Oswalt]

 [Jesus says] “Take these things away; stop making My Father’s house a place of business.”

John 2:13-25 NASB

Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem begins with cleansing the Temple during the Jewish Passover. Being the greatest Jewish feast, the city is crowded with pilgrims who have traveled far distances to worship. Charging extravagantly for sacrificial necessities, merchants and money-changers set up business in the outer courts of the Temple and exploit the worshipers. Their materialistic, for-profit intentions disrupt worship. With great force, Jesus drives the businesses out of the Temple. Acknowledging God’s holiness, Jesus defends the Temple as a place of worship.

In less than three years, Jesus will be arrested and crucified, but with His resurrection, Jesus offers a spiritual cleansing for the soul. After more than 2,000 years, God’s holiness still prevails despite the busyness of life. Jesus, feel the random hurry disturbing my weary soul, see the extravagant luxuries choking my truest needs, hear the shouting insecurities magnifying my deepest fears. Cleanse this temple! Count me alive in Christ. My heart sings never-ending praises for the Lamb of God! – dho

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Copyright 2014 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author

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“May you be blessed by the Lord Who loves you best!”