The Passover was supposed to be a time of celebration for the Jews’ deliverance from bondage. God humbled the leading power of the ancient world in order to bring his people out from under their authority. The Passover was one of seven annual Holy Days that were to turn the eyes of the people to God in thanksgiving for what he had done for them. Jews from all over the world would journey to Jerusalem to celebrate these feasts. For some, this would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Imagine the spectacle that Jesus witnessed as he entered the Temple to celebrate the first Passover of his public ministry (John 2:12-25). Animals bleating, men crying out to pilgrims the price of their goods and services, and only a few yards away sacrificing was taking place upon the Altar of Burnt Offering in worship of God. In a moment all this was taken in, and a flash of anger compelled him to turn over the tables of the moneychangers—more yelling as men rushed to recover their treasure. Jesus formed a whip from the cords of leather lying on the floor of the gentile portion of the Temple, where the marketing took place. Then Jesus began scattering the animals, throwing open the cages holding the doves and whipping the beasts and sending them running through the Temple compound, seeking a way out—more yelling as the businessmen ran after their livestock, while Jesus yelled out his command: “Make not my Father’s House a marketplace!”
Can you imagine what that was like? Have you thought about what you will wear for Easter this year? Do you remember what it was like during the Christmas holiday three months ago? Have you turned on the TV lately to listen to your favorite preacher expounding on the needs of his or her ministry? All—all of them making money on God, but is this right? Is all this the legitimate worship of God?
To be sure, animals were needed for the legitimate worship of God, during the annual festivals, but did the marketing need to be in the Temple? Should that have been the focus one had, as the worshiper entered God’s House? The Levites were the legitimate servants of God both in the Temple and in the education of the rest of the Jews. Supporting them in this needed service was a matter considered at a level of worshiping God. God commanded it; obedience to the command was a matter of worship. Were all the businessmen in the Temple Levites? Probably not! They had no legitimate right to profit off God.
Is gift giving a good practice? Certainly! But should this be the legitimate focus during a time set aside to celebrate God becoming man? Is it good and proper to wear one’s very best outfits at a time when we appear before God to worship? Sure it is! But, should our outfits and our friends’ reaction to us be our focus when we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus?
Do legitimate godly ministries have needs? Yes, they do. Is it a matter of worship to support them and help meet the needs of the Gospel? Yes it is, but a certain discrimination is needed. Did you know that religion is a billion dollar a year industry? Who really profits from all this? Does God? Is all we do in his name for the benefit of legitimate godly needs, or is it spent on the religious industry itself—building large headquarter facilities and employing friends and associates, many of whom have the sole responsibility of pleading for more funds to support “god’s” work? Does this glorify God, or would Jesus want to overturn these tables and send all these people scattering for the door of their ‘godly’ office buildings?
I used to feel very guilty, if I couldn’t support every request for money for this or that “Christian” concern. It all seemed so legitimate. One of the most liberating moments in my life was, when I read 1Samuel 2:12-17, where it is said of the sons of Eli, the high priest, that not only did they not know the Lord, but they caused the offering of the Lord to be abhorred in the eyes of the people, because of their own greed. As I considered this scripture and all the requests that came through the mail, I was empowered by God to say: “No!” and I never felt guilty again. Now, I simply let the Lord lay it upon my heart to give and to whom. I allow no one—no matter how loudly the voice rings out—I allow no one to intrude upon that still-small-voice within that commands my offering of worship to Jesus.
Smoodock's Blog 
2 responses to “Commercializing God”
Thought provoking.
I think we (hubby & I) need to take especial note of the last para. The calls increase and we don’t like to refuse, but we must. We try to ascertain how much actually gets to the need and how much is taken up in admin but this isn’t always available information.
Commercialism is another matter. It keeps getting bigger. “Hot cross buns” and “easter eggs” are in the shops just a few days after Christmas. Apart from shunning such things, how can we do anything about it? (I don’t think I should go in and overturn the tables – even though I could wish someone would)
I hear you–often I would like to do the same things, but, at the end of the day, it is best if we let Jesus turn those tables over. He will! We need to be patient and let him do it in his time. Concerning what information isn’t available to us, I don’t let that bother me. If God gives me information–I act on it, but I don’t try to guess what that might be, if I am not privy to such knowledge. I simply pray and ask for guidance and expect the Spirit to lead me. I haven’t regretted that approach. You do as you believe the Lord is leading you.
God bless you,
Eddie