80 Defending the House of God

Mark 11:12-19; Matthew 21:12-17; Luke 19:45-48; John 2:14-17
TBC Book Two, Chapter 80
When the disciples awoke, they felt like they had been living in a dream. Yesterday their master had finally received the praise he deserved. Surely no one would dare to lay a hand on him now. The people would not allow that to happen.

Jesus and his disciples left Bethany quite early. Jesus led the way, but he turned aside when he saw a fig tree in bloom. As usual, prayer had been more important to him than breakfast. Perhaps some figs would now quell his hunger pains.

It was odd to see a fig tree in bloom this early. As they reached the tree, they realized it had no figs. The disciples were not surprised; after all, it wasn’t the season for figs. What did surprise them was how Jesus responded. Staring at the tree, he said, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.” But they forgot about it as they pressed toward Jerusalem.
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As they entered the city, Jesus went straight to the temple. When he reached its outer courts, he stopped and shook his head in disgust. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 80, for the rest of the story.)
​Available in book, e-book, and audiobook formats, sold by Amazon and your favorite bookstores/vendors.

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Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: A faith that boasts of life-giving fruit but leaves people hungry is exposed by Jesus—rejected by God.
     A promise to cling to: “ ‘And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, 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.’ ” Isaiah 56:6-7 NIV
     A praise to fill you: His Eyes  Steven Curtis Chapman     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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