SCRIPTURE: Psalm 69
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. [Psalms 69:9]
Sounds like David is being bullied, made fun of, because he is serious about his faith.
When I weep and fast, they scoff at me. [Psalms 69:10]
Those that “know better”, the more informed or the less naïve ridicule him for taking God so seriously.
I remember as a small boy, a classmate standing by the end of my driveway, mocking us with folded hands and kneeling as we drove off to church.
Talk to those who do not believe in God, and you may a condescending sneer as they discover you are one of those.
David is known as a man of passion – some see this as admirable, others as mockable.
Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.” [John 2:16-17]
Over time, David is revered in Israel as an example of true piety and devotion.
And when Jesus comes on the scene, many people think of Jesus.
His passion for the temple, or rather for God’s honour in the temple, reminds the disciples of Psalm 69.
Jesus was passionate, like David, even if it led to ridicule, rejection and death.
Am I passionate or zealous about anything?
Sports, food, taking risks, weekends… Jesus?
Am I open about my devotion to the Lord, or embarrassed to be seen as too extreme?
Am I more concerned about what people might think of me, than about Who I am devoted to?
Paul observes that zeal is good, if it is about what is true.
Of the Jews he says: For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. [Romans 10:2]
We need to be zealous and wise, not fanatic.
Fanaticism seems to go beyond wisdom, and unfortunately some christians fall into this category.
The recent situation with the pastor wanting to burn the Koran seems to me to fall into this category.
To me, if we are going to be zealous, let’s do it in the area of compassion, generosity, forgiveness, mercy.
I do not want to be known as a fanatic, but neither do I want to hide my passion.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. [Romans 12:11]
PRAYER:
Lord, make me passionate and zealous in a good way, in a way that makes people think of You!