What Jesus Did : Luke 21:5-7 - It Won't Be Left Standing!
by Phil Ware
It Won't Be Left Standing! - Luke 21:5-7
Some of the followers were talking about the temple. They said, "This is a beautiful temple, built with the best stones. Look at the many good gifts that have been offered to God!" But Jesus said, "The time will come when all that you see here will be destroyed. Every stone {of these buildings} will be thrown down to the ground. Not one stone will be left on another!" Some followers asked Jesus, "Teacher, when will these things happen? What will show us that it is time for these things to happen?" (ERV) Full TextKey Thought
Jesus has three powerful messages about standing firm in the troubles of life. The first message has to do with the Temple, while the other two can be found in the following verses. Jesus' point is that no matter how beautiful, the Temple in Jerusalem will be destroyed and left in a rubble heap—earthly temples made by hands will not and cannot last. Our finest and most holy buildings won't last forever. Jesus wants us to know that we must invest ourselves in what is lasting and be ready for him when he returns in his glory.
Today's Prayer
Holy God, give me the wisdom and the courage to invest myself in your Kingdom and things that last. Help me see those areas of my life where my heart is too attached to things that are not lasting. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
Today's Verses in Context
Some of the followers were talking about the temple. They said, "This is a beautiful temple, built with the best stones. Look at the many good gifts that have been offered to God!" But Jesus said, "The time will come when all that you see here will be destroyed. Every stone {of these buildings} will be thrown down to the ground. Not one stone will be left on another!" Some followers asked Jesus, "Teacher, when will these things happen? What will show us that it is time for these things to happen?" Jesus said, "Be careful! Don't be fooled. Many people will come using my name. They will say, 'I am {the Christ }' and, 'The right time has come!' But don't follow them. When you hear about wars and riots, don't be afraid. These things must happen first. Then the end will come later." Then Jesus said to them, "Nations will fight against other nations. Kingdoms will fight against other kingdoms. There will be great earthquakes, sicknesses, and other bad things in many places. In some places there will be no food for the people to eat. Terrible things will happen, and amazing things will come from heaven to warn people. "But before all these things happen, people will arrest you and do bad things to you. People will judge you in their synagogues and put you in jail. You will be forced to stand before kings and governors. People will do all these things to you because you follow me. But this will give you an opportunity to tell about me. Don't worry about what you will say. I will give you the wisdom to say things that none of your enemies can answer. Even your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will turn against you. They will kill some of you. All people will hate you because you follow me. But none of these things can really harm you. You will save yourselves by continuing strong in your faith through all these things.-- Luke 21:5-19 (ERV)
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