Scripture:
John 2:14-16
14 In the temple Jesus found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. 15 … he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. 16 And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.”
This is My Home!
Originally, the temple symbolized holiness and served as a place to seek forgiveness. However, over time, the temple transformed into a marketplace where people's access to the divine was limited based on financial status, because the animal merchants and money changers made an excessive profit out of their selling. In this situation, the passage indicates that Jesus was angered by their actions.
He fashioned a whip, overturned the vendors' tables, and scattered the coins on the floor. He then rebuked them, saying, "Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade!"
This story encourages us to ponder the question, 'What is church?' My friends, what memories of church do you have? What draws you to church? According to scripture, a church is a sacred space where we encounter God.
Thus, at the Cross, Jesus demolished the old temple and raised up the new temple. Through the Cross, He himself became the temple to dwell in us, expanding the concept of the temple to encompass everywhere. Jesus didn’t wait until His people hover to find the way back to God. Rather, Jesus, the way, the truth, the life, and the true temple came to us.
When I was 14 years old, the Spirit touched my heart, and I began to repent, experiencing God's overwhelming grace.
It was then that I confessed Him as my Savior for the first time. Since that moment, the church has been a place where I reaffirm my relationship with my Jesus. Family in Christ, truly, the church is our spiritual home, where we encounter God's presence and experience the living temple actively and passionately coming to us. It's also where we find solace in being our true selves - shedding all the masks we wear in the world, shedding tears before Him like a child seeking comfort from a mother's touch,
and rebuilding our hope for tomorrow through His grace. Here, we feel the presence of the Spirit, moving our hearts to mourn with those who mourn and rejoice with those who rejoice. Together, we live as a family in the church, encountering God in our midst.
One of my friends, who is also a pastor, shared a touching story with me about a church member who had to move to an assisted living situation. Before leaving, she stopped by the church and said to my friend, “Pastor, this is my home.”
Sisters and brothers, what does church mean to you? What memories do you have of church? What draws you to church? I hope that as you read this devotional, you find yourself drawn into a meaningful church experience, reconnecting with God through prayer. Furthermore, I pray that when we come together to worship our Lord at the church, which has been renewed through the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross, we all encounter the presence of God in a profound and transformative way.
Reflection Written by Rev. Sean Lee
Prayer:
Loving God, we lift up our hearts in prayer, seeking your guidance and wisdom as we navigate our own church experiences. Help us to cherish the memories of past encounters with you and to remain open to the ways in which you continue to work in our lives and communities.
In Jesus's name, we pray, Amen.
Please take a moment to consider what God is speaking to you through the scripture passage and the devotional reflection.
Then, take some time for prayer—pray for your own soul, and lift up
our next generation. We hope that they have their own “church experience” where they encounter God and confess that Jesus is their Friend, Shepherd, and Savior!
You can also listen to the music provided below as a backdrop
for your time of prayer.
In Christ Alone by Billy Graham Evangelistic Association