Reflection on the title line
We are sharp towards others, but too generous with ourselves. I am always the smartest, good, righteous, conscientious, and sincere, what I do is always perfect, I want everyone to do the same as me, and everyone else seems to be criticizing and living with idiots, fools, and bastards. . Today, in the sense of reflecting on myself, it means "reflection on goodness", that is, let's reflect on what I'm doing. Description of the contents of today's text is omitted. At that time, it seems that the people in charge of the temple and the people who are leading it did not do it knowing that it was bad to buy and sell offerings and exchange money in the temple. Let's analyze it in light of today's title.
I. Consider the fact that no matter how good the purpose is, it can be evil if the method is wrong.
① There were two things that those who participated in the Jewish Passover had to be equipped. One is a sacrifice and the second is money called “shekels” for the temple. This sacrifice is to be prepared with sincere, unblemished fidelity. ② The problem here is that Jews living in various countries along the Mediterranean coast come to the temple from a long distance for the Passover. It is difficult to prepare sacrifices along the way, and while using the currency issued by the Roman government in daily life, it was not easy to exchange “shekels” in the temple. ③ To help with this inconvenience, a place to sell sheep, cattle, and pigeons and change money was prepared in the temple. Perhaps at that time, people would have been praised for doing a really good job. Of course, there must have been undue exploitation in trading and currency exchange. ④ Here, the eyes of Jesus were different from those of ordinary people. The purpose is good, but the method is wrong. He rebuked why it must be within the temple, and if there are many other methods. ⑤ In our religious life, church service, and the process of becoming light and salt in the world, the purpose is good, but there are times when the method is wrong. I need reflection on the good things I do here.
II. No matter how desperately loyal you are, you will be rebuked by the Lord when you do not follow God's will.
① We are well aware of the decisive loyalty offered by Peter in Matthew 26:48-54. Why was he rebuked and his loyalty was not accepted by the Lord? In verses 53-54, it was because he did not consider God's will, because he was faithful in the wrong way in verse 52, and in verses 49-50, Judas Iscariot's wrath against the vulgarity and cunning is also revealed. ② Let's not lose our cool with human zeal for our religious life, church service, and love for our neighbor, and do not wield a sword of self-righteousness, a sword of bitterness, a sword of pride, and a sword that ignores the blade of radicalism. Loyalty is appreciated, but for this error, Peter was rebuked.
Ⅲ. God doesn't look at the arrogance, self-righteousness, and superiority that say that this work has to be done by me, or that there is no one else to do this work without me.
① 2 Samuel 6:3-8 This is the case of a man named “Uzzah” on the way back to Jerusalem. ② Our religious life, church service, ignorance of ignorance ignorant of love for our neighbor, self-righteous arrogance, pride that does not know the limits of human work and God’s work, vanity of desire for achievement and desire for honor. God does not respect us. In this sense, we need a sober reflection on the good we do.
IV. Sometimes there is a warning of reflection on goodness given to leaders who are unable to keep their place, driven by crowd psychology, public opinion, and mood.
① Exodus 32:1-4 This is the case of Aaron's golden calf. ② Aaron knows that this is not the case. I knew very well what was the right way to do it. I was swept away by the crowd psychology, public opinion, and atmosphere, and I lost my mind. Exodus 32:21-24 makes ridiculous excuses. ③ People's attention, atmosphere, and public opinion are not the problem in our upright religious life, church service, and love of neighbor There is only the position, conduct, and determination of a right relationship with God. In this sense, we need to reflect on the good once again.
(Conclusion) We must live together with Romans 12:1. However, verse 2 should be judged together. And like 1 Corinthians 4:4-5, you should be careful, careful, and quietly examine the will of the Lord and reflect on goodness frequently.