temporal captivations


As Jesus was leaving the Temple grounds, his disciples came along and wanted to take him on a tour of the various Temple buildings. But he told them, “All these buildings will be knocked down, with not one stone left on top of another!” [Matthew 24:1-2 ESV]

In my life I have had a lot of creature comforts - nice houses, cars, clothes and other stuff.
Interesting that all of those houses and cars have given way to newer models.
Speaks to me of how temporal physical things are in our lives.

And churches? Oh my, I have been a part of six church building campaigns.
One of those buildings eventually had to be sold at a two million dollar loss.
What is it about stuff that so captivates us and garners our attention?

We all know that "the stuff" is temporary. Such is the message in today's reading.
The disciples were fixated on the beauty and majesty of temple buildings.
They could not even imagine their destruction in their lifetimes.

Jesus jars them with a message that we all need to hear.
The stuff is not important - all things will eventually be replaced because they are temporal.
Yet there are things that are eternal and will survive our passing.

These are the things that should captivate us.

Open my eyes Lord to see the eternal things. Help me to give my attention to such things.


... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.

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