What Is It That Consumes You

BY REV GOH YONG KUANG

“Zeal for your house will consume me.” - JOHN 2:17, ESV

The disciples remembered the above Old Testament prophecy when they saw their Lord Jesus drove out the vendors and money changers from the temple premises.

Zeal for God's house consumed Jesus!  Here, the “zeal” means passion or devotion. Jesus’ passion is for God’s name to be known, honoured and glorified – which was not the case with those who abused the temple and use it for their sordid gain. 

Today, God has created a place where He can dwell – not in buildings made by hand, but in His own people.  They are His holy temple!

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?  

1 CORINTHIANS 6:19, ESV

Our body is to be fully devoted to God as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1), and our mind is to be renewed and focused on things above.

Jesus was consumed by a holy zeal for His Father's house. It was a consuming zeal that moved Him to action!

What is consuming you?

If Jesus is our living example, then "the zeal for God’s house" should consume us also.

Are we consumed by a burning desire for purity in our personal life?

Are we passionate about fulfilling God’s purpose and making known His will?

Are we grieved when we see people trying to turn church into something else, such as a social club or an entertainment hub? 

Do we keep silent or sit still when others pervert the holy things of God or tarnish His holy Name? 

What is consuming us? Anger? Bitterness? Envy and jealousy?

Today Jesus walks among us - He visits our lives and our religious activities.

Is He satisfied?

Or is He upset?

May I encourage you to take time this week to examine your hearts and motives, your religious activities and worship life – to see if they are reflective of a life fully consumed by a zeal for God!