And he was teaching them and saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.”

Mark 11:17

There is a song by the musical group, The Mamas and the Papas, titled, Monday, Monday. Some of the lyrics of the song give the songwriter’s opinion about Monday. It goes as follows: “Monday, Monday, can’t trust that day. Monday, Monday, sometimes it just turns out that way.” I also recall a popular comic strip in which a lasagna-eating cat named Garfield is famously known for his dislike of Monday.

Monday is an unpopular day. We must set alarms to make sure we get up in time to go to work after a couple days off, and it is the first of a string of days until the next weekend. We just don’t like Mondays.
There is another side to the day, however. Some look at it as a new beginning or a fresh start to a new week. Last week is gone and the promise of a better week is ours. What are your thoughts?

Jesus had just ridden triumphant into Jerusalem. He came to the temple to worship His Father. When He arrived, there was a flea market of sellers taking advantage of those wishing to worship in His temple. Jesus was a bit upset at what was happening. After a few overturned tables, the temple grounds were cleared, and worshipers were able to make their way into the temple without distraction.

Jesus gives us this new beginning. He cleared the way to for-giveness of sins and reconciled us to God. Sin no longer robs us of the glory of God! We are forgiven and cleansed.

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank You for sending Jesus to cleanse us and give us forgiveness of sins. We look forward to being in Your glory as heirs to Your kingdom.

Daily Reading: Mark 11:12-18

– Contributed by Tom Johnson