READING: Genesis 28-29, Mark 11
God’s temple was intended to be a place where the nations could come and pray (Isa 56:7). Instead, though, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day had turned it into a “den of thieves” (Mark 11:17) where extortion was common. Moreover, the commercialism and commotion in that area of the temple made it more difficult for Gentiles to come and worship—and Jesus would have none of that. He who was Lord over all would remind the religious leaders that He welcomed worship from all the peoples of the world. For the original readers of the Gospel of Mark—likely, Gentiles—these words would have been significant.
It’s easy to read this passage about the temple, focus on the important call to prayer, and miss the global focus of this text. Moreover, it’s also possible for our churches today to talk about prayer while still failing to pray for the nations and invite them to worship with us. Perhaps you’ve even known churches who prayed, but who also almost dared anyone unlike them to join them. Such self-focused praying and living misses the heart of God.
The work God gives His church to do ultimately touches the world. He is, after all, the Messiah for all nations.
PRAYER: “God, give my church family a heart for the nations of the world.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Genesis 28-29, Psalm 11, Mark 12