Exodus 22, Luke 19

Wednesday, March 5, 2008 - Brandon Hatmaker

“Den of Robbers”

(Exodus 22)

It’s so easy to read over a chapter like this and miss it. Rarely do we intentionally fall into these scenarios. I don’t expect to allow my livestock to graze in another mans vineyard in the next few days… or weeks (vs.5) . Very few of us plan on stealing our neighbor’s ox or sheep today (vs.1). And although verses 16 through 31 discuss closer matters of reality for our culture, not many of us have on our agenda to intentionally mistreat or oppress and alien (vs.21), take advantage of a widow or orphan (vs.22), or expect to “blaspheme” God or curse the ruler of our people (vs.28)… okay, well during election season we seem to do the last of that more often than normal.

In essence, we do all of these often. And we’ve been on both sides of each, both as offender and the offended, at times more directly than others. Because we often think more highly of ourselves than we ought, it’s difficult to maintain the perspective that we are not without blemish, all of us. Not only is this a set of standards to live by in society, but some perspective on where we stand before God. We have offended, we have rejected, we have stolen, and we have neglected. No wonder we need a Savior.

(Luke 19)

Exodus 22 deals with theft and social responsibility. That is exactly what Jesus accuses the people at the temple of in Luke 19.

“Then he entered the temple area and began driving out those who were selling. "It is written," he said to them, " 'My house will be a house of prayer; but you have made it 'a den of robbers." vs. 45-46

So easily we teach this scripture and keep the topic on Jesus’ “righteous indignation”. He was indeed ticked. (Mark 11:15-16 paints a more vivid picture of His emotion). We like this moment, because it gives us license to be mad at what we consider to be unrighteousness. But most of the time, we fail to teach the REASON he was ticked.

Jesus drove out those who were selling and accused them of being robbers. So how were they robbers? Dishonest gain. Taking advantage of those who were there. This scripture goes far beyond this moment. As believers, when we do not lead a life seeking justice and righteousness, loving God and loving others, we make the Lord’s house a “den” of robbers.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the Greek word used for “den” is defined by implication as a “hiding-place or resort.” Jesus’ life and ministry showed that the church was to be a hospital for the sick, a sanctuary for sinners, not a hiding place for thieves. Are we thieves?

Lord, may your Bride remain precious to us. May we learn and live what you say.