Praise Patterns: The Holy One

Here's an excerpt from Chapter Six--the chapter about the Holy One. The third day of each chapter features a passage from the Gospels.

They came to Jerusalem, and He went into the temple complex and began to throw out those buying and selling in the temple. He overturned the money changers' tables and the chairs of those selling doves, and would not permit anyone to carry goods through the temple complex.

Then He began to teach them: “Is it not written, 'My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations?' But you have made it a den of thieves!”
(Mark 11:15-17)

Out of town visitors to the temple bought their sacrifices from these merchants in the temple's court. Money-changers were conveniently located nearby to convert the traveler's money, but they weren't always honest in their exchanges. The merchants and money-changers were all focused on money rather than witnessing. Other people used the temple courtyard as a shortcut, traipsing through it carrying various baggage. Jesus knew what belonged in the holy place, and what needed to go. He brings this same discernment to our lives.

For the grace of God has appeared, with salvation for all people, instructing us to deny godlessness and worldly lusts and to live in a sensible, righteous, and godly way in the present age. (Titus 2:11-12)

And I pray this: that your love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment, so that you can determine what really matters and can be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that [comes] through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. (Philippians 1:9-11)

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance but, as the One who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; (I Peter 1:14-16)

So rid yourselves of all wickedness, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander.
(I Peter 2:1)

Flee from youthful passions, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. But reject foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they breed quarrels. The Lord's slave must not quarrel, but must be gentle to everyone, able to teach, and patient, instructing his opponents with gentleness...(2 Timothy 2:22-25)

As we strive to follow the Holy One who calls us, we can praise Him for understanding us completely and being ready to set us back on the right path every time we fail.

For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested. (Hebrews 2:18)

Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to the confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. (Hebrews 4:14-16)


Reflect & Respond
“Jesus knew what belonged in the holy place, and what needed to go. He brings this same discernment to our lives.” Have you ever felt that He was toppling everything over in your life and removing things that didn't belong?


Look back at today's scriptures and list things that belong, and things that don't belong in our lives as Jesus' followers.


How does Hebrews 4:14-16 describe Jesus?

Praise Patterns will be available to order very very soon.