Scripture Passage
Scripture Focus
“Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” (Mark 13:31 NLT)
Observation
Today’s reading opens with the kind of thing that often impresses us—a remarkable building. Hey, I get it. I’m as apt as anyone to stare at a towering skyscraper, an attractive home, or an impressive church. In the same manner, one of the disciples has drawn Jesus’ attention to the beautiful Temple in Jerusalem. And beautiful it was! King Herod had built a temple in Jerusalem (Solomon’s temple, you recall, had been destroyed) as a way to gain favor with the Jews. And—though much more a shrewd politician than a great leader—Herod was certainly renowned for his architectural finesse. His reign was characterized by massive building projects and noteworthy design. The Temple was genuinely impressive.
But Jesus reminds his disciples that even a building as impressive as Herod’s Temple was temporary. “Not one stone will be left on top of another! (Mark 13:2 NLT). All of this leads to a (somewhat complex) discussion of the events surrounding the destruction of the temple and (then) of the end of the age. I confess to not having all that figured out. But I do know where the conversation ends.
“Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear.” (Mark 13:31 NLT)
The story moves, then, from one extreme to another—from that which is outwardly impressive but will not endure to that which may not seem so impressive but will never, ever fail! More than just words on a page, more than just ink on fine paper, God affirms about His “living and active” word…
It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 NIV)
Apparently, that which cannot be seen holds more sway than that which can. Perhaps that’s worth keeping in mind today.
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