14/11/2021

A LIFE THAT MATTERS
NOT ONE STONE

READING:     MARK 13: 1-8

The Destruction of the Temple and Signs of the End Times

13 As Jesus 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.”

3 As 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?”

5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

New International Version (NIV)  Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Study Questions:

  1. Read the scripture passage slowly and prayerfully. Allow your imagination to fill your reading with the images, the amazement, and reactions of the disciples as they walk through the Temple complex admiring the magnificent buildings.
  2. What is this story about?
  3. What was Jesus trying to teach the disciples?
  4. What lesson can this bible reading teach you about how you see the present situation of your life within your context? To help you, imagine your personal life as a building… show your building to Jesus… and when he responds to you “Not one stone” of your building “will be left and all will be pulled down” … what will your reaction be?
  5. What do you believe God’s plan is for you, for your future?
  6. What is your reaction to my thoughts below?

“Our personal visions, of God’s plan and involvement in our lives, and our understanding of how God works with us are limited by our human condition! God sees a future for each of us, and in fact a future for our church, our community, our country and even for creation; that is beyond what we can see, understand, and comprehend, at this moment in our “present time”. We do not know what tomorrow will bring. We are not called to live in fear of the future nor in fear of the unknown!

We are all invited to “Grow into Ourselves” – we are not finished products!

God’s Love is busy with the new design, and new building, of your life and mine and for our church and country. His Love constantly drives the process of change and renewal.

 

A Life and Faith designed, shaped, and constructed by God in LOVE – is a Life that Matters!”

Have a blessed week,

Rev. Tim