By Keith Short

It was a sad time in the life of one local church. For many years the church took care to leave the side door unlocked, allowing anyone to stop by the building and spend much needed time in the chapel praying. 

Over the years countless numbers of people had come to the church to spend time alone with God in their own ways. Most of the time they did not want anyone to assist them—not needing guidance with anything, just needing to spend quiet time away from all that was happening in their lives. People went regularly because they knew that the door was open and they could go no matter what time of the day or night. 

Something Changed

Then the unexpected happened. The small chapel section that so many people were using was vandalized. Not only vandalized, but, over a short period of time, it became known as a place for people to go and do things that should not be done. No one could really explain how or why it happened. No longer were people able to spend time alone praying in the chapel. No longer were people able to go and find the peace that was needed. 

A decision had to be made. Lock the door. Can you imagine a chapel that was once used for comforting so many different people now is locked? Makes a person question who in the world would do such things and bar so many people from enjoying their time with God.

Not in My House

Jesus knew what was going on. The day before, Jesus had surveyed the temple. Now when he walked into the temple and saw what was going on inside the house of prayer, it was just too much. Buying and selling was taking place, not to help people along but to take advantage of people who were honestly seeking what was right. Jesus corrected the matter and cleansed the temple. 

Something else took place as well. The chief priests and the scribes heard what Jesus had said and began seeking how to destroy him. 

Keith Short is the preaching minister of Community Christian Church in London, Kentucky. He and his wife, Aleta, have been married for 44 years and have two married sons and one granddaughter.