Read Matthew 24:1-2
Wow! That Is Beautiful!!!
When Jesus and his disciples were going away from the temple, the disciples pointed out to Jesus the temple buildings. The temple building was built by Zerubbabel and Ezra (Ezra 6:15). Herod the Great made astonishing improvements and expanded the building.
Here are some interesting details gained from the historian Josephus:
1. Herod kept 10,000 men at work with the temple improvements.
2. The temple was huge: 500 yards long and 400 yards wide.
3. The stones were as big as 50 ft long, 24 ft broad, and 16 ft thick.
4. The temple was beautiful and covered with gold plates and also had some white marble blocks.
It’s no wonder the disciples wanted to point out the temple to Jesus because of its beauty and splendor!
Jesus responded by making a prophecy saying to his disciples, “Truly [which means ” with complete certainty”] not one stone here shall be left upon another, which will not be torn down.”
Around 40 years later this prophecy was fulfilled when a revolution occurred between the Jews and the Romans. In 70 AD, Jerusalem was leveled by the Romans, including the temple.
What are the things that cause you to stand in awe? It’s Beauty and Majesty is Jaw Dropping! There may be things that you greatly value maybe even have a collection of items. Great! Enjoy the beauty that comes from the gifts and talents people have acquired from God and even mastered. Enjoy it. But:
1. Never forget who your CREATOR is.
2. Make sure that the one thing or one person which captivates your heart, is never treated as an idol or god.
3. Remember the Beauties of Life are TEMPORARY and can come with great masterful work, but be destroyed or taken at the blink of an eye.
4. To rely on one person or thing is dangerous because tomorrow both could be gone, then how will you be able to stand strong when what you relied upon was not the Lord?
5. Keep Christ NUMBER ONE in your life at all times. Never put anyone or anything ahead of him. He is the sustainer and keeper of your life. No one loves you more than Jesus. So let us not love anyone or anything more than we love Jesus.
