John Chapter 2: Verses 16-18 (NIV-UK)
To those who sold doves he said, ‘Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!’ His disciples remembered that it is written: ‘Zeal for your house will consume me.’
The Jews then responded to him, ‘What sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?’
Those who were rebuked were not prepared to accept it. You can sense the defiance in their tone as they demand proof of Jesus’ authority. But I don’t think they would have accepted it even if Jesus had given them the sign that they asked for. Their selling of merchandise had become accepted over many years, but that didn’t mean that it was right. However, as we considered a couple of days ago, those who were selling now considered it their right to do so. It had become convention. But Jesus example here shows us that there are times when we need to take a stand against that which is regarded as convention if it goes against the teaching of God.
Taking that kind of a stand will never be popular, especially with those who believe that they have the right to do as they wish. Many people who witnessed this encounter would have been silently cheering Jesus for exposing the extortion, but we don’t read that they rallied behind Him. That makes me wonder if I would be bold enough to follow Jesus’ example (as I should) if it meant being the only one, or one of a minority to do so. But its not acceptable in God’s eyes to be a silent cheerleader. He is looking for us to be vocal in either our own stand, or in support of others in theirs. It’s particularly difficult for those who are in places of leadership and authority, and is the reason why I must be faithful to pray for them as the Bible tells me I should.
Dear Lord,
Help me to be bold in my stance for what’s right, and equally vocal in support of others who do the same. Encourage all of your servants who seek to follow You and to stand for You in places of leadership and authority. I ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.