In Mark 11:15-19, we witness Jesus possibly more angry than at any other time in His life. Why did Jesus get so angry? As you read that passage, you find out that corrupt moneychangers and people selling sacrifices were charging exorbitant rates from foreigners to worship God in the temple. As a hub for all nations to worship the one true God, this was the place people from around the world could congregate and worship, but moneychangers and sellers were taking advantage of the situation for their own profit. Jesus was furious! Why? Because He has white hot passion for people of ALL nations to worship God.

After driving out the thieves, he quoted from Isaiah 56:6-7: “And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to serve him, to love the name of the Lord, and to worship him, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”

We must understand that all the way back in Gen.12:2-3, God promised that all nations would be blessed through the children of Abraham. He has a passion to see people from every tongue, tribe and nation gather together in worship. Israel was to proclaim and promote the great Name of the Lord God Almighty, and instead they were profaning it (making it small.) Jesus was not about to allow this.

So let me ask you, what kinds of things enrage you, cause you to unleash in white hot fiery passion? All too often, it is an injustice done to us, something that goes against our person or preferences. Instead, let us grow in our passion for the things that impassion God – worship by the nations for the One who is truly worthy. May we join together with myriad angels and saints of past ages in the song of the Lamb:

“Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. Who will not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.” (Rev.15:3-4)

In humble adoration of our glorious God, Eric