Do not be terrified ...

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And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

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I think that humanity's preoccupation with religious buildings is such an interesting phenomenon. Since the days when Moses erected the Tabernacle men and women alike have been drawn to ornate and expensive structures. Even today folks that seem to embrace reformative theologies erect brick buildings instead of using existing facilities. There is just something that fascinates us about having a place of our own to "worship" a God who cannot be confined by walls.

Hearing of the temple's destruction the thoughts of these went to a fearful place. To that Jesus tells them to not be terrified when their world starts to implode and things begin to change. It is as if he is teaching his disciples to change their focus from the place of worship to the heart of it. For if your spiritual foundation is found in a building then that foundation will surely crumble along with the stones that eventually fall. Our place of worship is our inner temple.

Help me to remember today Lord that worship is not about a place.

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