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Hear the devotional here: https://anchor.fm/eradio-valverde/episodes/What-Really-Lasts-e1qbto2
5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” 7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” 8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12 “But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and put you in prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 And so you will bear testimony to me. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers and sisters, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 Everyone will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish.19 Stand firm, and you will win life. (Luke 21:5-19 New International Version Bible)
Happy Monday, dear Reader! I pray this is indeed a marvelous Monday for you and for those who will be blessed by you. There is a large group of people who need you, depend on you, and are blessed to love you! Receive that, embrace that as you embrace others. May this blessings that come with praying for others bless you as you pray for those who need your prayers. Pray for the sick, for the lonely, the hungry, the homeless, the thirsty, and those who feel alone. And then, do your part in doing something about that. Pray for one another.
What has been the most impressive building you've ever seen? What about the structure impressed you? And why? (If you care to comment, email me at eradiovalverde@yahoo.com and let me know! Just click on the blue link.). I have been blessed in having seen many impressive buildings, but an early memory was the first time I saw the Houston Astrodome. I had driven it by it when we moved into town, but to go into it wasn't something I had done yet. And then one night, our junior high band, The Lanier Junior High Purple Pup Band was invited to play at a Houston Astros game. They were hosting the New York Mets, and we were to play between innings and play we did. That night turned out to be the night of the 24 innings game, which lasted 24 innings until 1:36 am when the winning run was hit. We were told to call home and let our parents know we would be late. We did not have a phone and so I got close to the door and yelled, "Dad, I'm going to be a little late!" Thankfully, my Dad had the game on the radio and knew when it was finally over. But as we drove up to the Dome, we parked near the still-standing Colt.45 stadium, which was an awesome structure in and of itself. And right next to it, was the so-called "Eighth Wonder of the World." And in my opinion, it was. Most of you know the Astrodome still stands, but sits idle. The inside is empty and silent. Gone are the events that once took place there. Only memories remain.
The temple of Jerusalem was a symbol for the Jews. It stood as a symbol fo what once was, and a reminder of what could be. It was built at the height of Israel's might and power. It was a symbol of the days when all the known world knew and respected Israel. It was the center of not only political might, and financial strength, it was the place where the holy and the everyday intersected. It was there that God's presence was felt and worshiped. It was the center of many activities; religious and secular. It was a training center for those who sought to serve Him. It fostered several schools of thought, some of which we have seen in these past few week's readings; the Sadducees, the Pharisees, the zealots, the scribes, the Herodians, and so many more. And during that very moment the Twelve were there, not far from them leaders from each of these sects was busy plotting and planning the demise of Jesus. Jesus knew this but He wanted the disciples to know what was on HIs heart; "The time will come, " Jesus said of the temple, "When not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown." Jesus knew the occupiers of this land would reach the very limit of tolerance, and would destroy the temple. The Disciples were shocked to hear these news and so they have to ask, "When will these things happen? And could you give us a hint or clue to know right before this happens?" They wanted to be ready.
Jesus says for them to be careful about being deceived, for He knew many would come as false Jesus's. They would come posing as Him and saying things that were not true, such as "Yes, I am Jesus," or "The time for the end is upon us. Don't believe them!" Jesus also says that there would be wars and uprisings, and they should not be afraid. He adds, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from Heaven. Yet, before these things," Jesus warns, "You will be seized and persecuted. You will be handed over to synagogues and put you into prison, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name." Then Jesus says, "This will be an opportunity for you to bear witness about me, but do not worry about what you will say, or how you will say it, for I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. It will also be a time of unbelievable actions taken by parents and brothers and sister, relatives and friends, who will betray you, and some of you will even be put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but this I promise, that not one hair of your head will perish. Be strong, stand firm and your gift will be life." It may just be that of all the things that we fear and the countless questions that may come from them, the underlying question will usually be, "Will I survive?" And Jesus tells the Disciples of those times, and even these times, yes, you will, if you stay true to me and my love.
PRAYER: Loving God, bless us with faith to stand firm in You. We place in Your strong hands the fears and worries that trouble us; grant us peace and the strength to continue forward and upward. Be glorified in me; forgive me of my sins, and help me overcome; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! YOUR PLAN OF ACTION: Share a strong word of "You will survive" to someone you know that needs to hear this.
Receive my blessings of hope and peace,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
