Holy Week: The Cleansing of the Temple
“….Any Wicked Way”
“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139: 23 & 24
There are two specific events that are recorded concerning Jesus’ journey on this the day after Palm Sunday. They are the cleansing of the temple and the cursing of the fig tree.
Just as Jesus eradicated the actions that were transpiring in the physical temple; we must make certain that our “temple” is not contaminated. Let’s consider the word wicked. I often correlate this word to wicker which reminds me of wicker furniture. What differentiates this type of furniture is the fact that its material has been uniquely processed. Wicker also refers to the weaving process that the material has under gone. So wicker furniture has been woven in a way that will produce a certain effect.
Far too often our hearts have been interwoven with concepts, motives, ideologies, etc. which have produced in us a wickered or wicked way. We have – in many instances unknowingly – been indoctrinated by traditions, rituals, and the like which have lead us down the path to bondage. We have within us areas which are still harboring the spirits of: anger, deceit, and fear. Pride is still on board and has intricately been woven into our hearts causing us to unknowingly “bow” to various idols.
Of course, none of us have erected ancient day idols in our homes; but what is worst is the fact that we have them within our hearts! We, on many occasions; establish, pay homage to, and hold in too high esteem the reverence for “people, places and things” over our relationship with our God. A reverential respect and fear of God has not taken its rightful position within our hearts.
The true revelation of all that is within our hearts, will only by produced by an illumination from the Holy Spirit. So on a personal level; I need to sincerely seek the face of the Lord, and ask Him to reveal any wicked or wickered way that is within me. Then I must learn to succumb to His leading as He directs me to the path which will allow me to obtain a renewed heart. A Heart that is totally submitted and committed for His use……Then when He passes by my spiritual tree; He will not curse it for not being productive in my season!
“Investigate my life, O God, find out everything about me; Cross-examine and test me, get a clear picture of what I’m about; See for yourself whether I’ve done anything wrong - then guide me on the road to eternal life.” Psalm 139: 23 -24 (The Message Bible)
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