Word@Work Luke307 - Luke 21:5-6
Published: Mon, 03/07/11
Word@Work from BeaconLight
TEMPORARY GLORY
Luke 21:5-6 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, "As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down." (NIV)
We easily assume that temporary structures like tents are used for a short time, but grand buildings will last for ever. Jesus often taught at the huge temple in Jerusalem which had been built by Herod. It was physically splendid in every way, covered in white stone and lots of gold. The stones used in construction were massive and it looked permanent. The disciples, like many religious people, took pride in the physical structures associated with worship; assuming that they represented the unmovable presence of God.
Jesus knew differently. He knew that less than 40 years later, the Roman General Titus would demolish the temple. There would be no point in having a temple for sacrifices, after Jesus had been the ultimate sacrifice; and if His people rejected Him then there was no point in worshiping Father God, because to reject Christ is the same as rejecting the one who sent Him. It would be time for the temple to go. That prophecy would have been a great comfort to some in the Early Church who might otherwise have been confused wondering if God had left them. The glory of the temple would go but the presence of God by His Holy Spirit in the believers was constant.
Human beings are attracted to what they can see, and reassured by apparent permanence. But followers of Jesus should walk by faith and not by sight. Relying on what we can see, is a poor substitute for trusting the Lord - who has promised that He will be with us always (Matthew 28:20). In the face of many challenges, we are not called to put our faith in buildings, institutions, denominations or even in wise and godly people: and we must not be seduced to idolise churches, music, art or even fine preachers. Instead we look to the glory which will be revealed when Jesus returns for those who love Him. Peter, writing to Christians who suffered under Roman rule, says, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Prayer: Dear Lord God, my loving Heavenly Father. Thank You that this world cannot define the future. Thank You that Jesus predicted the destruction of Jerusalem so that the disciples might be strengthened and not upset when the physical symbols of spiritual stability were removed. Forgive me when I cling too much to the temporary glories in this life and fail to develop my relationship with You. Please help me to invest much more in people than in things and to know Your strength to keep trusting You when this world fails to live up to the glories which it promises. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
We easily assume that temporary structures like tents are used for a short time, but grand buildings will last for ever. Jesus often taught at the huge temple in Jerusalem which had been built by Herod. It was physically splendid in every way, covered in white stone and lots of gold. The stones used in construction were massive and it looked permanent. The disciples, like many religious people, took pride in the physical structures associated with worship; assuming that they represented the unmovable presence of God.
Jesus knew differently. He knew that less than 40 years later, the Roman General Titus would demolish the temple. There would be no point in having a temple for sacrifices, after Jesus had been the ultimate sacrifice; and if His people rejected Him then there was no point in worshiping Father God, because to reject Christ is the same as rejecting the one who sent Him. It would be time for the temple to go. That prophecy would have been a great comfort to some in the Early Church who might otherwise have been confused wondering if God had left them. The glory of the temple would go but the presence of God by His Holy Spirit in the believers was constant.
Human beings are attracted to what they can see, and reassured by apparent permanence. But followers of Jesus should walk by faith and not by sight. Relying on what we can see, is a poor substitute for trusting the Lord - who has promised that He will be with us always (Matthew 28:20). In the face of many challenges, we are not called to put our faith in buildings, institutions, denominations or even in wise and godly people: and we must not be seduced to idolise churches, music, art or even fine preachers. Instead we look to the glory which will be revealed when Jesus returns for those who love Him. Peter, writing to Christians who suffered under Roman rule, says, "In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed." (1 Peter 1:6-7).
Prayer: Dear Lord God, my loving Heavenly Father. Thank You that this world cannot define the future. Thank You that Jesus predicted the destruction of Jerusalem so that the disciples might be strengthened and not upset when the physical symbols of spiritual stability were removed. Forgive me when I cling too much to the temporary glories in this life and fail to develop my relationship with You. Please help me to invest much more in people than in things and to know Your strength to keep trusting You when this world fails to live up to the glories which it promises. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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