Word@Work 150 - Mark 13:1-2
Published: Mon, 06/23/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 13:1-2 As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" "Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down." (NIV)
With only days until Jesus' death, He now teaches about the future. The magnificent temple was still under construction (to be completed in AD 64). It was an architectural wonder, a matter of pride for all Jews. However it was also a political stunt by Herod the Great - to gain popularity, and to make a name for himself. At best, buildings for worship are the product of divine instruction and personal sacrifice; but at worst, they actually become the objects of worship wrapped in mixed motives and self-interest.
Jesus, who knew the future, said that all the revered buildings would be razed to the ground. And it was only 6 years after the scaffolding was taken down, when the future emperor Titus would level the Temple Mount and surrounding city. As predicted, not even one stone would be left in situ. Having rejected God's sacrificial Lamb, there was no longer any point in offering sacrifices. Christless religion, in a temple that was intended to point towards Him, was futile.
However splendid the architecture, if a building for worship merely becomes the object of worship, God's intention is frustrated, and the building is redundant to His purposes. Like any landlord of redundant property, He is entitled to dispose of it as He wishes! Today, beautiful buildings are not wrong; but if their glory replaces Christ-centred worship - they are worthy of a dreadful end. That thought should help us to find a perspective between ministry tools (such as buildings) and ministry itself.
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for all that You provide to help me to worship and serve You in the local church and at work. Help me to see Your gifts for what they are, but never to worship them; and to give You all the glory. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
With only days until Jesus' death, He now teaches about the future. The magnificent temple was still under construction (to be completed in AD 64). It was an architectural wonder, a matter of pride for all Jews. However it was also a political stunt by Herod the Great - to gain popularity, and to make a name for himself. At best, buildings for worship are the product of divine instruction and personal sacrifice; but at worst, they actually become the objects of worship wrapped in mixed motives and self-interest.
Jesus, who knew the future, said that all the revered buildings would be razed to the ground. And it was only 6 years after the scaffolding was taken down, when the future emperor Titus would level the Temple Mount and surrounding city. As predicted, not even one stone would be left in situ. Having rejected God's sacrificial Lamb, there was no longer any point in offering sacrifices. Christless religion, in a temple that was intended to point towards Him, was futile.
However splendid the architecture, if a building for worship merely becomes the object of worship, God's intention is frustrated, and the building is redundant to His purposes. Like any landlord of redundant property, He is entitled to dispose of it as He wishes! Today, beautiful buildings are not wrong; but if their glory replaces Christ-centred worship - they are worthy of a dreadful end. That thought should help us to find a perspective between ministry tools (such as buildings) and ministry itself.
Prayer: Father God. Thank You for all that You provide to help me to worship and serve You in the local church and at work. Help me to see Your gifts for what they are, but never to worship them; and to give You all the glory. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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