All Peace, Love, Joy??

I read a lot about Jesus being all peace, love, and joy. I’ve heard that He accepts everyone as they are, being themselves, without reservation. That all roads lead to God (however He may be defined.)
Sorry to burst that bubble. Today’s graphic is but one example. Jesus was openly against an activity that detracted from worship at His Father’s house of prayer.

And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves. (Matthew 21:12-13 KJV)

Do you ever think about the fig tree?

And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if haply he might find any thing thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for the time of figs was not yet. And Jesus answered and said unto it, No man eat fruit of thee hereafter for ever. And his disciples heard it. (Mark 11:13-14 KJV)

Do you think that story’s in the Bible by accident? Do you think the fig tree deserved to be cursed? Remember what happened later?

And they come to Jerusalem: and Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves; And would not suffer that any man should carry any vessel through the temple. And he taught, saying unto them, Is it not written, My house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? but ye have made it a den of thieves. And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and sought how they might destroy him: for they feared him, because all the people was astonished at his doctrine. And when even was come, he went out of the city. And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance saith unto him, Master, behold, the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away. (Mark 11:15-21 KJV)

Right in the middle of that is the word “doctrine.” Yep, there are beliefs held by Jesus that He taught to His followers – and expected they would teach them to others:

And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:17-20 KJV)

The “they” that saw and worshiped were the eleven, we’re told in verse 16. We’re also told that “some doubted,” so we’re still in good company, aren’t we? How can we help but doubt when we’re told that Jesus is all peace, love and joy – when there are people and actions that cause Him to say:

But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art an offence unto me: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but those that be of men. (Matthew 16:23 KJV)

That doesn’t sound loving, does it? It is necessary to know God to understand that His justice is perfect, and it is tempered with His mercy and grace. He is forgiving and encourages repentance – turning around, toward Him, seeking Him and His will for our lives. Whatever good we’ve done before can produce wonderful results with His peace, love and joy!!