Devotion for Thursday, April 16, 2026

“Then they came to Jerusalem. And He entered the temple and began to drive out those who were buying and selling in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who were selling doves; and He would not permit anyone to carry merchandise through the temple” (Mark 11:15-16).

Sinfulness tends to take a good thing to an extreme.  There needs to be supply to meet demand.  Each has a job to do.  Then greed enters in and those who have the supply take advantage and the ones who have need pay more.  Next comes exclusivity, where only certain sellers can be bought from and the price goes higher.  Not only in commerce, but with our religion, this happens.

Lord, I know we all have a religion which shapes our way of doing things.  Sin has a way of making our religion more important than the reason for what we are doing.  You are God and we are to worship You alone.  Help me to comprehend the line between what is good and the next step which takes over where the created one becomes more important than You, the Creator.  All things were created by You and You alone are to be worshiped.

Lord Jesus, You have come to clean my house.  There are many places where I have been bartering with You, seeking what I want rather than what is right.  Create in me clean living where I do what is right without worrying about what I will gain or what it will cost me.  Help to not try to buy and sell what You give freely.  Help me to practice a religion that points me to You and right living, sharing with my neighbor as You have shared with me.  Amen.