It's a week of passionate burning
To get these words out,
To tell this story -
Not just the story of some random observer,
But, in so many ways, my story.
Today I even had to improvise a music stand.
Monday - Jesus cleanses the temple.
House of Prayer
by Mary Schieferstein
©2014 Mary Schieferstein
I am standing in the temple when He comes in,
I watch Him as He moves through the crowd.
He walks toward all the merchants, fire burning in His eyes,
He is determined to kick them out.
I watch Him overturn their tables and throw their chairs,
Step back as one stool lands before my feet.
The vendors start running for the exit.
He makes every last one leave.
He shouts, "You set up market in a house of prayer,
Bring in your thievery and lust,
Your wicked hearts defile what ought to be pure,
Your voices drown out those who come to worship God."
The children all laugh and sing, "Hosanna",
The adults are far too shocked to speak.
Just yesterday they'd been celebrating judgment,
But they wanted judgment on their enemies.
The Pharisees are seething in the corner,
Their hateful thoughts written in their eyes.
They scan the scene, try to control what's happening,
As Jesus teaches, cutting through their lies.
He says, "You set up market in a house of prayer,
Bring in your thievery and lust,
Your wicked hearts defile what ought to be pure,
Your voices drown out those who come to worship God."
And what man ever spoke like this before?
Who, in anger, has ever been so right?
Whose words have ever cut me to the core,
And yet are so full of life?
And His face is set, as solid as a stone.
What for, I can't pretend to understand.
This Jesus, He isn't what I wanted,
But maybe God's given something better instead.
2014 Easter Songs Series:
Palm Sunday - Hosanna
Monday - House of Prayer
Tuesday - No One Ever Spoke Like This Man
Spy Wednesday - Who He Claims to Be
Maundy Thursday - Seder
Good Friday - What Have I Done?
Holy Saturday - This Wait
Easter Sunday - Victory
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