Well, as you can see, my plan to catch up by the end of the week has fell by the wayside. But, I push on. Falling short does not mean falling out. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and keep moving forward.
So.... John 2
So after reading this chapter, I had to search for the theme and explanation of the Gospel of John in its entirety. Again, being new to reading and studying the bible, I expected chapter 2 to pick up where chapter 1 left off. My brief search showed me that this Gospel is John illustrating, with examples he personally experienced (6 of 8), that Jesus is the Son of Man and that through him, we can achieve everlasting life.
In the first half of this chapter, we read about the very well known example of when Jesus turns water into wine. The very first thing that struck me is his response to his mother. He asks why she is involving him in fact that they are out of wine at the wedding. In the next line, he says that his "hour has not yet come." I am left with more questions here than answers. 1. I assume the hour which he references is his crucifixion, which is the very reason he came to earth and the very moment in time that the lives of all humanity where given purpose and meaning. But, I may be mistaking because if that is true, there would be no miracle he could perform on earth that would be valid or necessary in comparison, yet Jesus performed many. So maybe the hour, is referring to another point in time either that night, or some other time previous to and other than his crucifixion. I pray that God will speak to me so that this point becomes clear. 2-If Jesus speaks to his mother with resistance, then why does he proceed and perform the miracle? Does he do it purely to honor his mother's wishes and show obedience? Is there something I am missing?
In the second part of the chapter, Jesus clears the Temple courts. This too is scripture that I have at least heard referenced before. The first thing that caught my attention, is that Jesus made a whip out of cords and FORCED them from the Temple. I think too many times we assume, or accept in the form of judgement by others, that to be Christians, we must always be passive and meek. Now don't get me wrong, I don't want anyone to try to use my interpretation to justify their use of force in any situation they see fit. I know that the best solution to any circumstance and the one God intends for us to employ is to use love and peace and understanding to resolve conflict or even when coming to the defense of others. But I think this example shows us that if we pick our battles, and if we act with the will of God as our primary focus, then there may come a time or circumstance where being forceful is not only necessary, but expected by God. I humble myself right now that it is possible that I am way off here. My hope is that a-I never come to such a situation and b-that hear the will of God clearly in all things I encounter throughout my life.
Secondly, the premiss of using the house of God (Church) as a marketplace is one that is blurry, especially in today's context. I mean let's take my incredible church as an example. At the Fellowship Campus of Woodlands Church, we have the amazing Sycamore's Bookstore and Cafe. Would this not be an example of having a marketplace in the temple? I know a lot of people who are either jaded about Christianity in general, or who judge the "mega churches" as a disconnected church community and money hungry business, will site this example to support their claim. But I think they are off base and I will tell you why. If we were to allow an outside company to come in and sell products to produce revenue intended to create a profit, then yes, I would agree with the notion. But in the example of Sycamore's, what you have is the complete opposite. The purpose of the Bookstore and Cafe are to a-provide the Christian community with a place to gather in fellowship and b-to generate money that can be put back into the various ministries with the intention of bringing the message of Jesus Christ to those in our communities and throughout to world who have not come to know Christ as their savior.
Well, I kind of went off on a tangent there, but at the same time, I feel that these thoughts apply to this chapter appropriately. Lastly is something that I have missed in this passage any of the times I have read or heard it in the past. And that is when Jesus tells them, in order to provide proof that he is acting on the authority of God, to knock down the Temple for him to bring it back in three days. WOW! I always took it to mean the actual building itself. The simple lesson is that this was another way in which Jesus demonstrated his purpose and that he was indeed the Messiah. It just didn't take place at that very moment. Now I also think that there is an underlying message here as well. Sometimes the message Jesus is trying to get to us is under the surface. It may not be obvious to us or as simple as the literal form of the message so it is important that we know this and ready our heart and mind so that we can fully analyze each lesson so that we may correctly hear and thus follow the will of God.
Well, I still have a ways to go to get caught up. Everyone please keep pulling for me. I pray everyone has a wonderful week. God Bless you all.
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