Topic: Away With Merchandise [Monday April 6, 2015]

Text: John 2:14-16


Key Verse: “And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise” (John 2:16).

The palaces of kings and princes are not where the subjects buy and sell. Certainly, it is not a place for common activities. Christ found in God’s temple at Jerusalem that selling of sacrificial animals at exorbitant prices and changing of foreign currency into Jewish money were permitted contrary to His word and will. Christ therefore purged the temple by driving out those who profaned it and overturned the money-changers’ tables. He was displeased with those who misused their religious privileges for worldly gain. It is sacrilegious to buy and sell in the house of God. Today, the premises of some churches have been turned into mini-markets on Sundays or other worship days. This realization should therefore make us walk orderly, humbly, soberly and holy at all times whenever we go to God’s house.

Moreover, if the physical temple was cleansed by Christ, the cleansing of spiritual temples of God which we are is of utmost importance. Any human temple that will be indwelt by God must be free from sin. Freedom from outward and inward sins are obtained through prayer of faith for salvation and sanctification experiences. God has given us promises concerning these spiritual experiences that will free our lives from everything that defiles. “Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1).

Genuine Christianity is predicated on righteous and holy living and preaching of the sound gospel. A situation whereby the Christian fellowship is subtly turned into a business network, rendezvous or place of merchandise is offensive to the sacredness of the gospel. True saints of God do not condone sin or support its practice.

Bible in One Year: Psalm 36-38

Thought for The Day: It is wisdom to shun sin like the proverbial plague.

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.


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