And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”
Some warnings are so dire, we can have doubts about the possibility of it coming to fruition. People refuse to evacuate during hurricanes with that very mindset. Here, Jesus warned his disciples that their precious temple would be destroyed because of their strife with the Roman Empire. It must not have been believed by most of his audience. It certainly was misunderstood. In Mark 14:58, he was accused of terrorism.
“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’ ”
Of course we know that he said nothing of the sort. That is how easy it is to miss warning signs.
The temple would indeed be destroyed in 70 AD as a result of a revolt against Rome. Jesus gives us many other warnings. Here is one important one. Not everyone who cries “Lord, Lord”, will see the kingdom of God. How many in our churches are ignoring this warning while living their lives as if Jesus is not Lord? I fear there are more than most people realize. It is time to heed the warnings and warn others that the road they are on is leading to a chasm because the bridge is out. Help someone to turn around today.
Dear Lord, you warn us of trials to come and we thank you that you are with us. Help us to warn others of the danger of unbelief. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church