Abba's House versus Mammon's Cave
"On reaching Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began driving out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves, 16and would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. 17And as he taught them, he said, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’11:17 Isaiah 56:7? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’"
oikos - house, home, dwelling place, household (all members included in a family in Greco-Roman society)
spēlaion - cave, den (by the way, a cave/tomb is where Jesus defeated death and enemy of God's kingdom!)
What is a house?
A house is a place of welcome, rest, nourishment, hospitality, safety, belonging
What is a cave?
A cave is a haven for mischief, darkness, hiding, illicit activity, loneliness, isolation
What hinders me from access to God in my own heart? What are the secondary things which block my intimacy with him?
Minimalism is a trendy, and noble, movement that has swept Western society. Freeing our lives of clutter for the sake of focusing on our priorities and the opening up for space to breathe and to welcome, both in our hearts and our homes. Joshua Becker is doing a good work marked by God's wisdom. But, minimalism alone is an illusion if we miss the ultimate telos of this terrestial life: abiding in Christ. The incarnation of God in Jesus of Nazareth, the Messiah and King of all nations, is the greatest witness to his desire to dwell with us.
Are we dwelling with him? Are we joining him in transmitting the glorious access to God for all nations? What about our habits and values and economics and political ideologies are blocking the way for Christ's house to be a place of welcome for all nations? There is no American, Jew, Iranian, Afghan, Egyptian, Conservative or Liberal in Abba's house - we are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28).
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