VS. April 20, 2025 Easter Sunday Devotional
April 20, 2025
MARK 11:15-17 | 15 Then they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who were selling and those who were buying in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves, 16 and he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 17 He was teaching and saying, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”
A second reason for Jesus’ righteous anger was connected to worship. With the clink of coins and the noise of birds and the hubbub of crowds, the Temple sounded like a marketplace. Although we can pray anywhere, it is hard to concentrate in the mall with all the distractions. Prayer is best when the distractions are few. Music and words can be heard, and focus is encouraged. Creating an atmosphere where there is peace and beauty encourages our encounter with God. We can listen for the “still small voice.”
Jesus’ anger was on behalf of God, who would become the pretext for profit and not the focus of devotion, and also for the pilgrims who were fleeced of money and robbed of the chance to encounter the divine presence.
What disturbs or disrupts you in public or private worship?
Gracious God,
Help me cultivate a quiet heart that is ready to hear You and respond.
Amen.
