God Issues Today: "Galactic Chess"

Author, educator and commentator Dr. James Denison has been pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas since June, 1998. Prior to that, he was pastor at churches in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as Midland (at First Baptist) and Mansfield, Texas.

In one corner: An astronaut who lived in the International Space Station for half a year. In the other: 10 elementary school students. The battle: A game of chess. Gregory Chamitoff may be a brilliant scientist, but the game he's been playing for the last six months over an Internet video hookup is not going well.

Today's New York Times tells us that the kids have the astronaut on the run. They met Friday at the National Scholastic Chess Championships in Nashville. The kids were more impressed with Mr. Chamitoff's life in space than with his prowess on a chessboard. One of them, a ten year old girl, said, "He has made really good moves, but we've gained an advantage." In the galactic battle between an astronaut and some kids, things are not always as they seem.

Welcome to Holy Week, eight days which changed the world. Yesterday, Jesus of Nazareth rode a donkey into Jerusalem to the acclaim of crowds thronging the city for Passover. His admirers were convinced that he would soon overthrow the cursed Romans, claim the throne of Israel, and reestablish the Jewish kingdom on earth.

So what did he do today? After spending last night in Bethany with his disciples, he walked back into the Holy City this morning. Along the way, he cursed a fig tree which did not bear fruit. Since the vine was a symbol for the nation of Israel, his action showed the bankruptcy of their religious legalism. Hiking up to the temple, he found moneychangers at their corrupt tables. They charged exorbitant rates to convert money into the currency they required for sacrificial animals they sold at unfair prices.

In anger, Jesus drove these crooked merchants from God's house. His action infuriated and embarrassed the religious authorities who profited by their extortion. Then he rejected the racial prejudice of his culture by welcoming Gentiles who wanted to meet him. Not the way his friends expected the week to begin.

Today, you are the Temple of God's Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 3:16-17). Like the temple in Jerusalem, you are to be a "house of prayer" (Matthew 21:13). Is your "house" dedicated to its divine purpose? Is there something in your soul which displeases Jesus? Take a moment to begin Holy Week with some spiritual housecleaning. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you anything which dishonors your Lord. Confess what comes to your mind, honestly and specifically. Invite Jesus to be the Master of your house today, and he will be delighted to answer your prayer. Will this be a Holy Monday for you?