Monday

        Monday of Holy Week.
        We know from the Gospel accounts that after Jesus and His disciples spent the night in Bethany, the following morning they headed back to Jerusalem. On the way, Jesus was hungry and seeing a fig tree covered with leaves, he approached it to gather some figs. But though the tree looked promising with its leaves, it had no fruit. Jesus declared "May no one ever eat fruit from you again." (Mark 11:14).
         When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus began driving out all those who were selling and buying in the temple and overturned the moneychangers tables and the seats of those who sold pigeons." (Mark 11:15) How appalling that this place of prayer and worship had been hijacked by unscrupulous sellers who were charging exorbitant fees for the purchase of sacrificial animals to the weary arriving pilgrims! Jesus, in fact, declared, "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)  As a result, the infuriated chief priests and scribes continued plotting and scheming on how to destroy Jesus.  Amazing, these "men of God" were relentlessly plotting murder, because Jesus threatened their power and position.  Moreover, this was murder of their long-promised Messiah.
           Two quick thoughts on this day.  First, my prayer is that we can simply walk with Jesus through the events of this week, and on this day, Jesus reveals His authority in two unique ways: by cursing the fig tree (which we will see tomorrow withered to its very roots) and by cleansing the temple of the long-entrenched, thieving money changers and sellers who were polluting God's holy place of prayer and worship. Yet in doing this, Jesus knows full well that He will further invoke the ire and fury of the temple rulers and leaders. But the Savior is undaunted, courageous, determined--His face set like flint to head to the cross for their sins...and for ours.  Thank You, Jesus, thank You.
           Secondly, how can we not be struck by the primacy and importance of prayer? Jesus cleanses the temple because this was God's house of prayer. And we'll see tomorrow the impact of Jesus' words on the fig tree, for He will declare "..whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours."  I don't even begin to understand all that this statement implies. When it comes to prayer, I'm a novice...no, I'm a baby beginner!
           But this I do know--God calls us to pray.
           We may not understand it. We may not feel like doing it.  We may think that we do a horribly inadequate job at it. But we know that while on this earth, Jesus prayed constantly.  We know that our Heavenly Father hears our prayers. We know that He has all power and all wisdom. We know that nothing is impossible for Him. We know that His Word overflows with countless promises about prayer. We know from His Word that Jesus prays and intercedes for us right now at the throne of God. And we know that He commands us to pray.
           Because all those things are true, we need to pray.  The power isn't in our perfect command of words. The power isn't in our great ability or goodness (because we don't have any!). The power isn't in saying just the right words or liturgy. No, the power is in Almighty God. And if says to pray and promises that there is enormous power in prayer, then we need, we must, pray!
             If you're anything like me, then this corona virus is making you feel mighty helpless when it comes to trying to physically, tangibly help others, because we all need to do our part and stay home. But we can pray! Staying home doesn't prevent us from praying. And nothing is more powerful or important than our prayers.
               As Priscilla Shirer says, "Prayer is the portal that brings the power of heaven down to earth. It is kryptonite to the enemy and to all his ploys against you."
              So as we walk with Jesus throughout this Holy Week, let us recommit to prayer. Praying for our family and friends. Praying for our nation. Praying for our world. Praying that God would stop this plague. Praying for all the courageous, wonderful health care workers. Praying for those stocking our grocery store shelves. Praying for all our brave men and women in the armed services giving their lives to protect us. Praying that many, many people across the world would turn to the Living Lord Jesus and find salvation through all this. Praying that our Heavenly Father would show us ways we can help and be a blessing and encouragement to others. And praying that our great God would use it all, all, all for His glory.
            Lord, we don't know what to do, but our eyes are on You...and so we lift up our hands in worship and in prayer. We ask for Your mighty and supernatural redemption. We ask that You would work and move as only You can. Please help us and save us. We love You and we trust You.
          To God be the glory.