We have all been to them...
Growing up in Southern California they were called "Swap Meets." They were held on Saturdays at the local Drive-In Movie Theater. People from all over would come in and set up at their assigned station and sell their wares. Sunglasses, macrame, skateboards, Lev'is jeans, shirts and a whole assortment of other things.
When I moved to the deep South they were called "Flea Markets." It sure did look like a Swap Meet but when I called it that one time I was quickly corrected in a most genteel sort of way.
As I have gotten older they are now called "Trade Shows." Typically the only difference between a trade show and a swap meet is that the trade show is usually indoors, in a convention center.
It's all the same.
Everyone in their place.
Everyone sitting in their booth or assigned area.
The goods all look good and very promising.
The vendors are all nice and smiling hoping you will buy their products.
Some vendors lean over the imaginary line and visit with one another. They know each other very well. They'll see each other again next week or next month.
It's all very civil, comfortable and courteous.
My iWitness...
Today is the Monday of Holy Week.
The Temple in Jerusalem some 2000 years ago had become a very civil, comfortable and courteous place filled with vendors.
That is until Jesus showed up and turned over tables and drove out the vendors with whips and cords.
My body is called a "temple" in the scriptures. For the most part it is very civil, comfortable and courteous.
That is until Jesus shows up and turns over the tables and drives out the vendors who have set up shop in my heart.
Jesus, why did you have to do that? Look at the mess you've made...
Oh... that's right... it was God's house to begin with and it's me that has made the mess...
Next time I allow my heart to become very civil, comfortable and courteous, I guess you'll be making another house call.
In that regard... can you come over again tomorrow?
And that's my iWitness...
Laugh often and Fear not!
David!
"And they came to Jerusalem. And he entered the temple and began to drive out those who sold and those who bought in the temple, and he overturned the tables of the money-changers and the seats of those who sold pigeons. And he would not allow anyone to carry anything through the temple. 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. 15-17)
Well said, sir!
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