A Kingdom Perspective

Scripture – Mark 13:1-5: ¹As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” ²“Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” ³As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, ⁴“Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” ⁵Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. ⁶Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many.

Reflection:

Christ is risen! He is risen, indeed!

The great proclamation of Easter still rings out – changing everything!

That change is evident in today’s reading. This comes right after Jesus observed a “poor widow” putting just a couple small copper coins in the temple offering. He pointed out that hers was the greatest of gifts because she gave “all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)

In the face to that lesson about generosity, one the disciples makes a comment about the magnificence of human engineering. It is easy to get caught up in such things. We have beautiful houses, impressive city skylines, and cool new vehicles……not to mention the ever-changing world of technology.

Jesus’ reminder still comes to us. None of that will last. If I spend my life paying too much attention to that stuff, my time will be wasted. What does last? What am I doing that will last? What are you doing?

Lord, your kingdom and your reign are forever. Keep me focused on that. As I live help me stay open to your direction, working as a kingdom citizen. The bright and impressive things around me are enticing. Help me see them for what they are and you for who you are.