Dreams to Dust

Mark 13:1-3

You can't blame them. They were excited. They used those 'souped-up' words to express their amazement and delight. They just couldn't keep it in. The splendor of the building complex glowing before their eyes had to be expressed. Buildings stand as a symbol. They are the center of operations and the brilliance of the designer all come together in the formation of a magnificent trophy of man's accomplishment.

For the Jews in Jesus' day, the glistening temple on the mount deeply impressed the disciples. The temple was their trophy of triumphing Judaism. (1) The grand glory of this symbol radiated in the heart of each Jew. After all, it stood for everything that made them Jewish, or so they thought.

Jesus was a master in understanding people. He knew what was making the disciples so impressed. Their words became an entrance into which Jesus could see their minds and hearts. Jesus spotted their delight with the sight of the great temple. Jesus noted two things: What they were excited about, and what they were not so excited about.

With excitement, one is able to overlook problems and difficulties. How many engaged couples totally ignore their complex set of problems because of the anticipation of getting married to the one they love?! Jesus felt compelled to take their dreams to the dust.
That great building was soon coming down! (2)

1 And as He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples *said to Him, "Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!" 2 And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left upon another which will not be torn down." 3 And as He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew were questioning Him privately," (Mark 13:1-3, NASB).

Do we not chase after the things that gleam? Do not our hearts follow the golden reflections? The terrorists did a very important study on America before they chose their 911 targets. What buildings were more internationally well known than the 110-story World Trade Center? Standing higher than 1/4 of a mile near to the heart of the stock exchange, this monument spoke of world power and influence. The Pentagon stood for the world's mightiest army. If we heard Jesus' words that the World Trade buildings would not soon be there, would we understand? Could we believe? How could it not be there?

Undoubtedly, this is the exact response of the disciples. Incredulous. Those massive stones wouldn't be moved. In 70 A.D. though, just as Jesus predicted, those temple stone walls came down. The invading Roman army made sure of this because they wanted the gold that was between each of those temple stones. In a similar tragic scene, the Twin Trade Towers are also no longer present.

The message is the same. When our 'amazement' and 'wonder' can be found in a building, then to some degree we have rested our values there with them. They become our idols symbolizing what we treasure and hope. One might think this was not bad for the Jews. But in fact, the kingdom of God was not capsulized in buildings or in their organized religion. (3) Those who governed the temple were the very ones who put Jesus Christ to death! There was a world of contrast between God's kingdom and the world.

If you would like to understand more on understanding and dealing with tragedies, click on the picture.

God's kingdom in America rests not with the Trade Towers or the Pentagon. They are substitutes that attract people's attention and fascination. All can be gone in a few hours. These buildings were indeed great, but they deceive and do not last. Every other building on this earth will likewise perish. These serve as an example for us.

Jesus' prediction didn't bring this disaster; He only let people know so that they would not die with the destruction of the temple. Hope can arise only when we take our eyes off these monuments and back onto "trusting in God." The disaster came because they rejected the Kingdom of God not because they embraced it. Disaster came to America not because the Americans pursued God's kingdom plans, but because they sought and applauded their own self-achievements. >> Next

Walking with Jesus: Abiding in Christ Series Biblical Foundations for Freedom
Impossible Love Mark 8:1-9	Jesus responded to their needs. The disciples responded to their resources.
Genuine Friendship John 15:15-16	I don't want my Heavenly Father to treat me the way I treated my son!
A Vial of Love Mark 14:1-9	Our relationship with God is to take priority over our works.
Following is Not Easy Mark 10:46-52	I wanted Jesus to be with me, but I didn't really want to be with Him.
Listening Carefully Mark 7:17-18	The Lord wants me to sit down and listen to Him.
A Faith that Counts	I was not sure how many prayers I have absolutely wasted.
Staying Focused Matthew 15:21-28	Jesus found these planned retreats can be rudely interrupted.
Discovering Treasures Mark 10:21-27	What were they amazed and later astonished at?
Worth it all! Mark 10:28-31	His disciples would often if not always be required to make a sacrifice of one kind or another.
The Capsizing of Religion Mark 3:1-6	Many churches just wouldn't want Jesus attend!
Family of Jesus Mark 03.31-35	If you or I were part of this crowd, wouldn't we do the same thing as they?
Growing Confidence in Jesus Mark 7:31-37	What Jesus I am following?
A Word on Christian Suffering John 15:1-2	We didn't do anything wrong to deserve such pruning! John 15:1-2
Genuine Worship Mark 12:28-34	Anything not built on this one command is best left in the periphery of life.
Dreams to Dust 911 Mark 13:1-3	Jesus felt compelled to take their dreams to the dust.
A Faith of Action Mark 11:27-33	The world starts getting concerned when the church starts practicing its faith.
The Felling of Fame Mark 2:1-2	Stopped in my tracks. Time to deal with my desire for fame.
Perspective on Worry Luke 12:25-26	We are really surprised at Jesus' comments about our worry.
Overcome Fear of Man Mark 11:27-39	Outnumbered. Outflanked. Out-educated. Compromise was begging Jesus to conform for acceptance.

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Paul J. Bucknell

Biblical Foundations for Freedom