What
is the most memorable building you have ever seen; (perhaps the Taj Mahal, the
Parthenon, or the new World Trade Center?)
When I was a college student, I went to New York City sight-seeing
with friends. Impressed by the Empire State Building, I shot a roll of film
trying to capture views from every angle.
During
the first century in Israel, the most impressive building anyone had seen was
the Temple in Jerusalem. Over a span of years, Herod the Great launched a project to make the temple a
regional wonder. Embellished with gold and seated on a large platform called the Temple
Mount, the Jewish Temple was a majestic work of art, and a source of national
and religious pride for Jewish people of Jesus’ day.
As
Jesus spoke of the Temple building, He wanted to point the people’s eyes away
from human pride (that would be torn down and fade,) and toward a spiritual
Temple God would build through Him, that would endure forever.
As Jesus 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.” Mark 13:1-2
Approximately
40 years later the Romans would destroy the Temple under the direction of
General Titus.
Like
the physical Temple in Jerusalem, the fall of the World Trade Towers September,
2001, shook our foundation of national pride, and shattered our trust in
national security.
Zechariah prophesied God’s final protection of Jerusalem. “On that
day, when all the nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all the nations." Zechariah 12:3
On
Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
Edward Mote, 1797-1874 (Lutheran Hymn)
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