Not in My House

Intro

Growing up Black you quickly learn that the house your live in as a child is not your house. And you also learn that with the house that you live in comes “house rules” Things that you cannot do in your Mama’s, Daddy’s, Grandma’s house was and not limited to: acting a fool, Talking back, wasting food, telling stories, mumbling under your breath, running in and out of the house, slamming the door, leaving the door open, letting out the cold air, heating the outside, touching things in the store, asking for things in the store, not taking out the chicken to thaw before they get home, thinking your parent was boo-boo the foo, rolling your eyes, making faces, etc. And, if you committed any of these crimes, if you survived the punishment the explanation as to why would always include, “not in my house.”

Well just as there are rules in our houses there are rules for the household of faith (Preach, relate to Church).

What is even more impressive is that you also found out that the house rules weren’t just for in the house but outside the house too. (Run, relate to Christians)

1. Not a place just for the priest but The Prophet(v.7-11)

· They publicly acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. This is how they brought in kings. Jehu. As such Jesus must be the center of attention in Church.

o They knew what he had done

o They knew what he could do

2. Not a Place for corruption but of Prayer (v.12-13)

· The Temple

· Radical Jesus. Not a puny Jesus

· Money changers and dove sellers

· House of Prayer? Is.56:7 Den of thieves? Jer.7:11

3. Not a place of personal interest but of Praise(v.14-17)

Here is where I got bothered by the text. The Bible says that, “when chief priest and scribes saw the wonderful things that he had done, and the children shouting…the became indignant” They didn’t get indignant when he flipped the tables but when they see him doing what they can’t do, and when they see the children are shouting now they have a problem.

First he came in a manger, next time he’s coming in Glory

First time he walked walked the streets, next time he’s descending on a cloud

First he came on a donkey, next time he’s riding a white horse

First he came lowly, next time he’s coming victorious

First time he came for Israel, next time he’s coming for the Church

First he came and they shouted “hosanna”, next time we will shout, “halleluiah”

First time he paid for our sins, next time he’s serving justice

First he came to carry a cross, next time he carrying a sword

First he came to be tried, next time he’s coming to judge.

First he wore a crown of thorns, next time he wearing a crown of righteousness

First he wore a torn purple robe, next time he’ll be wearing a white robe dipped in blood.

First he came to be crucified, next time he’s coming to clear his name

First time he came as lamb to be lamb of God, next time he is the Lion of Judah

First he came die, next time he’s coming to resurrect the dead