Meet Bob Lamkin

In this scene at the temple court, I have to wonder what the disciples might have been thinking. They had just come from Cana where Jesus had quietly saved the day by turning the water into wine. No doubt they thought that was cool. A few days later, they are on their way to Jerusalem, enjoying the crowds and looking forward to the Passover celebration. Just when everything seemed to be rolling along smoothly, they go to the temple, and Jesus decides it’s time to clean house and turns the place upside down. The disciples had to be thinking, “Whoa, what’s up with Him? He’s going to get us arrested!”

The Jewish leaders had to be shocked as well. Their question was essentially, “Who do you think you are, coming in here and tossing the place? You need to show us some ID!” They didn’t know Him as the One who has been given all authority and to whom every knee will bow. (Philippians 2:10) In a few years He would back up His claim to rebuild the temple: "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father." (John 10:17-18)

Like the disciples and the Jewish leaders, I had a problem recognizing and acknowledging Christ’s deity and authority. For a long time I thought I was in control and that I was the ultimate authority in my life. Surrender was not an option. I, too, had set up tables in His temple to conduct my unseemly business. Amazingly, by His grace alone, Christ determined to overturn my tables and show me that He is my loving Lord. Now, I pray daily for submission to His authority for I know Him to be who He claims to be—the Son of God!