Today as I open God's word, I am trying to focus on work in the midst of a 'snow day,' or rather, 'an ice day.' It is a four day weekend in our home, after the long holiday weekend, we now had a bad storm cancel school for the day. So today, I read with kids around me, bored. I read for the focus I need on a day like today. I read to be present with God.
Today, being present with God means readings Jesus' words about war and division among family, about mother's watching their nursing babies suffer. The temple in Jerusalem is made of massive stones, four feet high and ten feet long. They are not bricks, but monoliths. As Jesus is walking out of the temple, one of the disciples remarks on the massiveness of the stones. They are impressive.
But Jesus looks at the stones and makes an odd statement... he makes an ominous prediction. He declares that the stones will be thrown down, the temple destroyed. Later, the disciples ask what he meant about the destruction of the temple. Jesus continues to give his dark prediction, talking of wars and terrible suffering. He explains that there will be a time when false teachers will come and preach false gospels.
Isn't it just like Jesus to be more concerned with truth than structures, buildings, and power.
Jesus begins and ends this warning with the same word, "Watch!"
To follow Jesus means to follow truth. Always be seeking truth. Always stand up for truth. Even when it brings you enemies. Even when it makes you the enemy. Look for truth. Hold onto to truth. Be the champion of truth.
Today, being present with God means readings Jesus' words about war and division among family, about mother's watching their nursing babies suffer. The temple in Jerusalem is made of massive stones, four feet high and ten feet long. They are not bricks, but monoliths. As Jesus is walking out of the temple, one of the disciples remarks on the massiveness of the stones. They are impressive.
But Jesus looks at the stones and makes an odd statement... he makes an ominous prediction. He declares that the stones will be thrown down, the temple destroyed. Later, the disciples ask what he meant about the destruction of the temple. Jesus continues to give his dark prediction, talking of wars and terrible suffering. He explains that there will be a time when false teachers will come and preach false gospels.
Isn't it just like Jesus to be more concerned with truth than structures, buildings, and power.
Jesus begins and ends this warning with the same word, "Watch!"
To follow Jesus means to follow truth. Always be seeking truth. Always stand up for truth. Even when it brings you enemies. Even when it makes you the enemy. Look for truth. Hold onto to truth. Be the champion of truth.
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