Today’s scripture: Mark 13:1-3 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Jeff Miner):
The Jerusalem temple, as it existed in Jesus’ day, was one of the greatest buildings on the face of the earth. The lavish complex covered 35 acres — enormous by ancient standards! During the height of construction, one thousand priests were trained as stonemasons and carpenters to work on the most holy portions of the complex. The main temple building stood 100 cubits high, equivalent to a 15 story building. It would have towered over every surrounding structure. Some of the stones used in the temple compound weighed over 300 tons.
All of which caused one of Jesus’ disciples to say, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Jesus’ disciples came from Galilee, a region considered rural and unsophisticated compared to Jerusalem. They were probably blown away by the grandeur of the temple. It was probably the greatest human achievement they ever witnessed.
Jesus used their wonderment as a teaching moment. “See these great buildings?” Jesus said. “Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down!”
That which greatly impressed the typical person made little impression on Jesus.
His attitude reminds me of the words of an old Keith Green song, “Nothing lasts, except the grace of God, by which I stand. . . .”
Which is greater — a grandiose act or an act of grace? Who is greater — the one who constructs a mighty building overlaid in gold or one who feeds the hungry? One who grows famous enough to become a household name or one who spends a quiet hour talking to a lonely child?
Jesus said, “If [you] give even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones . . . , [you] will not lose [your] reward.” Matthew 10:42. Acts of grace last forever; grandiose acts last for only a season. So which are you investing in?
Thought for the day: Every kind act done in the name of Jesus lasts forever.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.