[Jesus] overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts.
Mark 11:15-19
During Passover the temple was used by merchants to do big business. Because these merchants came from all over, the temple was turned into a busy market place with little to no room for worship. Jesus became angry because the place of worship had become the place of big and somewhat shady business and a barrier to those who wanted to worship.
The Bible teaches us that there are times when righteous indignation is OK. We are bombarded with so many distractions, so many ways to focus on what is short term enjoyment. We allow the world to adjust our thoughts instead of keeping a steady eye on the Lord. Romans 12:2 says Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think.
As Christians, we have a responsibility to take a stand when our world crashes into our relationship with our Lord. Each day we should be focused first on the Lord, not jumping ahead to today's plans and problems. It is the Lord that will bring us the long term joy and peace to our life. When the "merchants" of your life start to take over, step back, overturn those tables and re-focus on what is true, and what is everlasting, our Lord.
Molly Nussear
