And as [Jesus] came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” And Jesus said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” (Mark 13:1-2)
The temple of Jesus’ day was a physical wonder to behold, no doubt. But what should have been a house of prayer had been transformed into a den of robbers. The jewel of Jerusalem had been corrupted into a centerpiece of greed, self-indulgence, lawlessness, and hypocrisy–a beautiful, gigantic white-washed tomb.
Isn’t there a principle here worth our reflection throughout the day? How many times has God shown throughout human history, how many ways has he documented in his revelation to mankind–the LORD sees not as man sees. We are far too easily impressed with the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart. Which means…
You may live in a wonderful house with wonderful furnishings, but what really matters is that God is the rock upon which your home is being built.
You may assemble on Sundays in a wonderful building with wonderful conveniences, but what really matters is that you worship in spirit and truth.
You may work for a wonderful company of wonderful profit, but what really matters is that you are serving the Lord Christ.
You may raise wonderfully successful children who are wonderfully applauded for their secular accomplishments, but what really matters is that they grow to walk with Jesus.
You may live in a wonderful country of wonderful freedoms, but what really matters is that your citizenship is in heaven.
You may go on wonderful vacations to wonderful destinations, but what really matters is whether or not you are heaven-bound.
“Look, Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” What impresses Jesus is wonderful faith. Let’s remember to keep the main thing the main thing today.