John 2:17

Those words sound familiar to the disciples.  They remember that somewhere in Scripture it says, “The passion for your house burns intensely within my heart.” John 2:17 EFP

Yesterday we were reminded of the special place that exists in the heart of Jesus for the poor.  He personally understands the struggles of those who battle every day of their lives to make ends meet.  He understands hunger.  He understands need.  But I believe that Jesus also understands the concept of total dependence on God that exists among the poor who find comfort and succor from God in their times of trial.  Those of us who have experienced some level of poverty also understand the joy we find in the simple things and small miracles.  There is more openness to the things of God from those who sense a need.

But there is a second and equally significant area that is highlighted in this passage.  It is the passion Jesus feels for the house of God—his Father.  But you have to ask, to what “house of God” is the future King David referring in Psalm 69?  If you read the Psalm you sense David is in a state of anguish due to the numerous entities intent on his destruction.  They come at him from all sides.  Life is chaotic and threatening for the younger David fleeing from the presence of King Saul.  But what house burns so intensely within him?  There is no temple in Jerusalem; in fact, Jerusalem has not been even chosen as the capital of the Kingdom of Israel. 

I understand David’s reference as describing any place where the presence of God can be personally seen or felt.  Read the narrative of Jacob’s flight from his home and the significance of the place where he felt God’s presence with him (Genesis 12).  This passion of Christ was one for that special place where people find God.  It doesn’t have to be in a building, though it often is, but it is a place where people find solace and escape from the pressures, conflicts, disappointments, and crises that assail them.  Thus Jesus’ ire against those who would pollute this “house of God” with anything that would detract from the work God is trying to do in the life of even one soul searching for salvation is intense.  He passionately seeks those moments of surrender.  Perhaps it is easier to understand why he would have responded so vehemently to the cacophony of noisy commerce by the scores of marketers squelching the work of the Spirit of God on behalf of even one penitent sinner.  My heart should not burn any less intensely for those he came to seek and save.