"A WHIP OF CORDS!"

John 2:13-17                      (ESV)
"13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and JESUS went up to Jerusalem.
14 In the temple HE found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there.
15 And making "A WHIP OF CORDS", HE drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And HE poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables.
16 And HE told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my FATHER's house a house of trade."
17 HIS disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me."



With all of the conversation going on about JESUS loved everyone, it is important to remember that HE also stood against that which was vile and violated the Holiness of GOD!  Not only did HE correct the money-changers and the people selling animals for sacrifices, HE made "A WHIP OF CORDS" and dispersed them as well!  There were no questions asked, HE drove them from the temple, GOD's house.  There is nothing written about any punishment for JESUS, but going against the grain of "the Jews" would ultimately carry a price that HE willingly paid for all humanity.  

The closer we walk with the LORD the more like HIM we become.  There is nothing we can do about it, it's just the way it is.  When JESUS said in Matthew 10:22 "and you will be hated by all for MY name's sake", HE didn't say to not alienate people because they are walking in sin.  What HE was saying was that when we walk the same walk HE did, "this world" will oppose us, for we are following what GOD has ordained for our lives!  GOD's Way and the ways of "this world" are diametrically opposed, "you cannot serve GOD and mammon" (Luke 16:13; Matthew 6:24)!

If we desire to "just get along" with "this world" we should remember, the Spirit of JESUS lives inside of our body (John 17:23) and "this world" did everything they could to eradicate HIM over 2,000 years ago!  Their disdain for HIM has gotten no weaker during that time.   It's time for us to choose.  Do we want to "get along just to get along", or do want to be like JESUS and drive them out of the temple with "A WHIP OF CORDS"?  Although I don't wish to alienate anyone, the Spirit WHO lives in me paid an unimaginable price for running ungodliness out of GOD's Temple back then.  Will I allow "this world" to creep into HIS house because I'm too weak????