The Whip and the Encounter

[bigletter]There is a long distance to travel. I was told that I need this to experience God at a deeper level. This is my greatest passion. Didn’t ‘the Sweet Psalmist of Israel’ say, “one thing Have I desired of the Lord, and that will I seek after, that I may dwell in the house of the Lord, all the days of my life”? I press on with my journey. The driver is too slow. I can’t wait to be in God’s presence…[/bigletter]

Finally, there’s the Temple, a magnificent sight! Little wonder it is the attraction of many believers. My jaw clenches. What will I say before His Majesty? “Good morning dear Heavenly Father”? What will He say? The wise men brought gold, frankincense and myrrh! What will I offer that will be befitting? 

I step out of the cab. I almost trip over a little girl as she runs after her mother, who is jostling with many others towards a man dressed in a flowing gown. This must be the place, but why is it so chaotic? My thoughts are drowned out by the noise of trading.

But this is just the outer court, I can’t see the entrance of the Temple yet. I walk past stalls and programs, all talking about the Temple. The sellers of anointed handkerchiefs beckon and buyers testify how these handkerchiefs worked wonderfully for them. Everything looks glamorous. There are even foyers for anointed make-up! 

All eyes are on the men in flowing gowns, running merchandise, explaining what is inside the Temple and answering questions. Some are holding the Holy Book and declaring the future, and the people are captivated! Everyone is excited.

Some people are turning back, so satisfied with the explanations and the events, that they no longer feel the need to enter the Temple. Is this it? Should I settle here? But this is my passion… My eyes are on the Temple. 

I push my way through. The further I move, the quieter it becomes. I begin to hear my thoughts again, and more: the Spirit’s still small voice.

I take the final step and I am in. Peace washes over me. Oh what glory… I lie flat on my face. The LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him. His voice rings out loud yet silent. The Temple shakes yet remains still. The Temple dwellers are radiant as the voice of the Lord purifies and consecrates each one.

My gaze is drawn to One whom my heart knows is the Son of God. I can’t explain how, but a scene flashes on His face; of the whip in the temple, Him turning over the tables of the money changers and sending out those buying and selling. There is pain in His eyes. 

I see that whip now here in the Temple. Then I understand:

God will purify His holy Temple now and make the place of His habitation glorious.

But who can endure the day of His coming? Who can stand when He appears? For He will be like a refiner’s fire. He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the LORD in righteousness. Then the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD, as in days of old.

The scriptures come alive in my heart. “The LORD is in His holy temple, the LORD’S throne is in heaven: His eyes behold, His eyelids try, the children of men.” Psalm 11:4.

“Be silent in the presence of the Lord GOD, for the Day of the LORD is near. Indeed, the LORD has prepared a sacrifice; He has consecrated His guests.” Zephaniah 1:7.

I close my eyes, “there is nothing greater than this.” Oh, to keep abiding here.