Mayhem was the only word that could describe the Jerusalem swap meet. There was a state of violent disorder, confusion and certainly an overall feeling of havoc in the air. The cages of doves and pigeons were abandoned as people, sheep, and oxen where seen running and scattering in all directions. The overturned tables and money left on the floor were clear signs that a tornado or something like a tornado had been there. Yes, a human tornado with a whip in his hand was creating quite a storm as he swept through the Jerusalem swap meet.

In John 2:13-14 we read, "When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts He found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money." Jesus of Nazareth was the one responsible for all of the commotion. He quoted scriptures and even talked about the destruction of the temple. He was the talk of the town and a breaking news headline to say the least. All four gospels record the events surrounding Jesus' unorthodox behavior at the temple swap meet. Read Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-19; and Luke 19:45-46 to learn more.

So, are we also called to this type of vigilante justice? The world news lately has been filled with stories of "religious extremists" or fanatics who feel they need to take matters into their own hands. Political cartoons, desecration of religious symbols, violent attacks and damage to mosques and churches, along with suicide bombers headed for "paradise" are just a few of the topics screaming for our attention. Yet, the age old questions, "What would Jesus do?" and "What should we do?" remain to be answered.

In John 2:16 we read, "To those who sold doves he [Jesus] said, 'Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!'" And in Matthew 21:12 and Luke 19:45 we read, "'It is written,' He said to them, 'My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers [thieves].'" Jesus was making reference to Isaiah 56:7 and Jeremiah 7:11. Jesus' actions, unlike many of our own, were prophetic in nature and were all part of God's ultimate plan to redeem mankind unto Himself. In John 2:17 we read, "His disciples remembered that it is written: 'Zeal for your house will consume me.'" (See also Psalm 69:9).

We should have zeal about us regarding the house of God and should make every effort possible to keep it a house of prayer. One way we can assure this is to pray. Prayer, Bible study, and corporate worship including discipleship should be essential pillars to any Christian church. Statistics, however, show only a two percent growth rate for new converts in America's Christian churches. We live in an age where "seeker sensitive" churches are on the rise and biblical illiteracy is at an all time high. Preachers often spend more time entertaining the goats instead of feeding the sheep. I am sure Jesus would not be pleased with many of our churches today.

In Luke 19:47b we read, "But the chief priests, the teachers of the law and the leaders among the people were trying to kill him [Jesus]." There may be times when we are called to take a stand. Yet, we too must be prepared to face the consequences of our actions. Jesus' behavior upset the religious authorities of His day and ultimately led to His arrest. He did not permanently stop the "business as usual" activities of the money-changers and swap meet merchants. Nor can we single-handedly fight against social injustices and corruption in the church. However, we can through corporate prayer reclaim our churches as houses of prayer and not merely places for swap meets.

May we say as the psalmist in Psalm 122:1, "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the LORD.'" Amen.