Knowing What Lasts
Today among some of my regular activities, I had a workout with my trainer at the fitness center. It was fairly. When I work out on my own it isn’t near as difficult and much more fun! But as he tested my walking endurance, I was able to walk the length of the gym and back with one crutch. That was certainly an improvement over my last test.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “As He was going out of the temple complex, one of His disciples said to Him, “Teacher, look! What massive stones! What impressive buildings!”Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here on another that will not be thrown down!” Mark 13:1-2 HCSB
The Temple in Jerusalem must have been an impressive structure. Even though the first Temple constructed by Solomon was probably the most glorious, the Temple of Jesus day was still a magnificent structure. I am sure the disciples believed that even with the history of Israel, that the Temple would be there for time on end. It seemed impermeable, stable and secure.
Jesus response, seems abrupt as we read the text. But He let the disciples know that this Temple was destined for destruction. That would be troubling indeed. What if you were touring in Washington, D.C. and admiring buildings or monuments that have stood the test of time to only here that there is a coming day when they will be laid flat.
Later as Jesus and disciples are on the Mount of Olives, viewing the Temple across the Kidron Valley, they asked Him about when, how and why the Temple will be destroyed.
Jesus doesn’t give a short, date, time and who will be involved, but He does respond to John’s questions about the end of the world and His coming. The key word that is found in Jesus’ discourse with the word, “watch” or be on guard or alert. The disciples were to be “watchful” or “on guard” so they would not be deceived. The risk was from false Christs, world events, war and rumors of wars, a shaking of the earth and all that seems to be stable and secure.
He goes on and warns them about betrayals and persecution that they will experience and that will characterize the times before His return. The bottom line is, “if you focus on what you think is secure, you will be disappointed, shaken and vulnerable to deception.” But, “if you keep your eyes on the Lord and the eternal you will be kept safe.” the challenge is not to look to earth, but heaven. Don’t look to man, but look for and to the Son of Man. Jesus put it simply when He said, “heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Mark 13:31 HCSB)
When the foundations of the universe itself are shaken, then the Lord will appear, “But in those days, after that tribulation: The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not shed its light; the stars will be falling from the sky, and the celestial powers will be shaken. Then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. He will send out the angels and gather His elect from the four winds, from the end of the earth to the end of the sky.” (Mark 13:24-27 HCSB)
Jesus final admonition to His disciples was, “Watch! Be alert! For you don’t know when the time is coming.” (Mark 13:33 HCSB) For the follower of Christ, we don’t need to be shaken by the uncertainties of life and this world. That is because our focus and our hope and foundation is on the One which is steadfast and sure.