SCRIPTURE: Mark 13:1-8
On September 11, 2001, I thought of this passage: “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
I am not saying that this was God’s judgment against the U.S., or the people in the towers.
But those towers (and all of our grand buildings) often represent our pride and self-confidence, our own version of Babel.
“What magnificent buildings”, but God sees beneath and behind them to the heart and motive and greed and injustice that often go into constructing these temples to human pride.
The kingdoms of humanity must give way to the Kingdom of God; God’s world trumps ours!
In God’s world, people matter more than palaces; in God’s world, injustice, greed, poverty, oppression (etc) have no place.
But because they are so deeply embedded in our world, God’s Kingdom cannot come without turmoil and trouble.
“Such things must happen”: it’s only a matter of time before all our magnificent accomplishments (our homes, our businesses, our wardrobes, our investments, etc.) crumble apart and come undone.
In the meantime, what do we do: Stop being impressed by worldly values, and start focusing on what matters to God.
Invest in the things that God sees as magnificent: people, justice, truth, mercy, kindness, love, generosity, compassion.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
God, help me to be impressed by the things that impress you! Help me to invest in the things You invest!
Jesus follower
trying to find His way
Observation/Application
Today, men argue over whose building is the tallest in order to make a name for themselves. The massive buildings are man’s pride, institutions of commerce and business. Certainly not places of true worship as in the old towns where one sees the spires of the churches towering above, pointing the Way.
Yet all these massive structures come to nothing. Just looks at the earthquakes, the typhoons, man’s destructive efforts, bringing it all down. Being the king of the castle means nothing.
Man’s values/God’s values – where do I place my trust. The temple was destroyed because God was alive and lived among man. He is everywhere. Open my eyes Lord that I may see You always and worship the King of kings. Make me a wise man and value what truly matters. My relationship with You.
Prayer
Help me this day to be an instrument of Your peace and may others see You in me as I continue to live for Jesus.
Jesus shall reign where’er the sun
Does his successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more.
Behold the islands with their kings,
And Europe her best tribute brings;
From north to south the princes meet,
To pay their homage at His feet.
There Persia, glorious to behold,
There India shines in eastern gold;
And barb’rous nations at His word
Submit, and bow, and own their Lord.
To Him shall endless prayer be made,
And praises throng to crown His head;
His Name like sweet perfume shall rise
With every morning sacrifice.
People and realms of every tongue
Dwell on His love with sweetest song;
And infant voices shall proclaim
Their early blessings on His Name.
Blessings abound wherever He reigns;
The prisoner leaps to lose his chains;
The weary find eternal rest,
And all the sons of want are blessed.
Where He displays His healing power,
Death and the curse are known no more:
In Him the tribes of Adam boast
More blessings than their father lost.
Let every creature rise and bring
Peculiar honors to our King;
Angels descend with songs again,
And earth repeat the loud amen!
Great God, whose universal sway
The known and unknown worlds obey,
Now give the kingdom to Thy Son,
Extend His power, exalt His throne.
The scepter well becomes His hands;
All Heav’n submits to His commands;
His justice shall avenge the poor,
And pride and rage prevail no more.
With power He vindicates the just,
And treads th’oppressor in the dust:
His worship and His fear shall last
Till hours, and years, and time be past.
As rain on meadows newly mown,
So shall He send his influence down:
His grace on fainting souls distills,
Like heav’nly dew on thirsty hills.
The heathen lands, that lie beneath
The shades of overspreading death,
Revive at His first dawning light;
And deserts blossom at the sight.
The saints shall flourish in His days,
Dressed in the robes of joy and praise;
Peace, like a river, from His throne
Shall flow to nations yet unknown.