Dear friends, picture Jesus in the temple, tables overturned, merchants scrambling, as He proclaims, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you’ve made it a den of robbers” (Mark 11:17; Isa. 56:7; Jer. 7:11). God’s temple was to shine, calling every people to worship Him. Instead, Jesus found a market choking the Gentiles’ path to prayer. This wasn’t just reform—it was a summons to God’s purpose, one the church must carry forward.

Israel’s call was clear: God told Abraham, “In you all the families of the earth shall be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). Isaiah saw nations streaming to God’s house, joined in praise (Isa. 56:6-8). Israel was to glow, her holiness drawing outsiders to glorify God (Matt. 5:14-16). But they turned inward. The Court of the Gentiles, their only place to seek God, was a bazaar, not a sanctuary. Pride in nationhood eclipsed God’s plan; they rejected the Messiah meant for all.

We’re God’s temple now, alive with His Spirit (1 Cor. 3:16). Our mission isn’t to huddle in comfort or hoist one country’s banner. We’re to blaze as a light, proclaiming Christ until every tribe kneels to Him (Rev. 7:9). The Westminster Larger Catechism declares that Christ’s kingdom reaches “all sorts of persons, Jews and Gentiles” (Q. 191). John Knox roared that the church must herald Christ’s name, not retreat. Are we radiant, or dimming His glory?

Look at your town—folks from every corner pass by. Do they glimpse Jesus in us, or walls of politics, pride, fear? Jesus cleared the temple to open it wide; He calls us to open our lives, sharing the gospel boldly. Martin Luther said, “The gospel must shine like a torch” (Sermon on John 8:12). Our tools? Preaching God’s Word, baptizing in His name, embracing seekers (Matt. 28:19-20).

Encouragement and Challenge: Rejoice, dear ones—Christ makes you His heralds! His gospel prevails, winning souls as it won yours (Rom. 1:16). You’re part of God’s worldwide tapestry. But here’s the challenge: Step out this week. Share Christ with someone different—a neighbor, coworker, stranger. Tear down any barriers, and pray for boldness to shine, that God’s name echoes across the earth.