Turning the Tables Over

One day when Jesus came to the temple He did something that seems out of character for the gentle teacher. The Bible says: Jesus entered the Temple and began to drive out all the people buying and selling animals for sacrifice. He knocked over the tables of the money changers and the chairs of those selling doves. Matt 21:12 (NLT). He did this because God’s place of worship had been changed into a location for crooks to do business. 

This event could be used to illustrate that the Jewish religion was about to be overturned. Their perverted laws would be scattered on the ground when the new law of Christ came into effect. This would happen at Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came to live in side of every born-again person. Turning the tables over caused the Jews to decide on the killing of Jesus. Ironically, His death would signify the demise of their religion. 

The old covenant had become a very elaborate set of inter-woven laws that the religious leaders used to control the people. Originally the law was God’s instructions for living a righteous life but the leaders had twisted it into a controlling mass of self-righteousness. However the people were never able to keep from sinning which necessitated a new covenant. This new agreement would allow some humans to live with God in eternity. 

One writer described how different it was: But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for he is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises. If the first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no need for a second covenant to replace it. Heb 8:6-7 (NLT). Good news of this new covenant has traveled around the world today.

God’s plans for people can now be completed. A human was born that had the ability to fulfill every righteous requirement. This man Jesus gave Himself to the authorities to be killed on the cross. After entering Hell for us, He returned to live forever. Now all people need to do is “have faith” in the sacrifice of Christ. Our acceptance of the Savior includes the dedication of ourselves to Him. Faith in Jesus can allow us to live forever. 

The tables have been turned on the plans of the world. All worldly nonsense will come to nothingness. In the end even the Devil will live in torment forever. Of course He will have taken many people down with him. It’s no wonder that the Jews were so upset when Jesus turned their table over. This act showed that every scheme of man would be dealt with by God at some point. Judgment might also seem out of character for our loving God. 

The first covenant has been replaced by a better one. This new covenant has God’s Spirit living inside of us and a continual advocate beside our God. The Bible says: You have come to Jesus, the one who mediates the new covenant between God and people, and to the sprinkled blood, which speaks of forgiveness instead of crying out for vengeance…Heb 12:24 (NLT). Our Savior has “turned the tables” in order to save the lost.

Gathering the Harvest

Humans always have a small limited view of God’s plans. With simple parables Jesus did give us hints to the way that God works. For example, He taught we must spread seeds in order to have a harvest. One prophet said: Strike down the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered… Zech 13:7 (NLT). This is a hard thing for us to understand until we remember that people must be spread out in order to increase their number.

The disciples loved their little group and they wanted it to stay together forever. But God needed the gospel to spread over the whole earth. It was important that something bad happen: On the way, Jesus told them, Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ Matt 26:31. Jesus accomplished many things during His ministry but the followers had to spread out. 

One parable Jesus taught said: “The Kingdom of God is like a farmer who scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, while he’s asleep or awake, the seed sprouts and grows, but he does not understand how it happens. The earth produces the crops on its own… And as soon as the grain is ready, the farmer comes and harvests it with a sickle, for the harvest time has come.” Mark 4:26-29 (NLT). Christians must scatter the seed then wait for harvest.

A good church encourages both the people who plant and the ones who harvest. Both are very important if we want to gather a good harvest. Jesus was teaching about the Kingdom of God and he said: The seed is God’s word. Luke 8:11. God’s word is the most valuable possession that any person can own. We must receive it into our heart in order to be: …honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it, and patiently produce a huge harvest. Luke 8:15. 

Paul also used the seed and harvest story for another purpose. He said that our material wealth was to be used for God’s work. It is not a popular subject with people who have gathered a lot of wealth. Somehow our willingness to share with others tells us the condition of our heart with God. The Bible says: Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. 2 Cor 9:6 

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Cor 9:7-8 (NLT). Several times the Bible reminds us that God will supply our needs if we will give to other people who need help.  

The only way to see God’s seed and harvest plan work is to try it for ourselves. Everything that we want in eternity depends on “simply believing” what God said is reality. If we will make the seed and harvest principle the definition of our life it will glorify our heavenly Father. Paul finished the passage by saying: For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. 2 Cor 9:13 (NLT). 

God scatters His people and then waits for the harvest. May we be known as the obedient ones who produce a great harvest!