“As He was going out of the temple, one of His disciples *said to Him, “Teacher, behold what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!”” Mark 13:1, NAS95.

It is easy to get distracted by the many things in this life that parade themselves as beautiful, valuable or important. Every time I am in a seaside community, my heart longs to live in one of those beautiful "ocean view" houses. Of course, I am old enough and wise enough to know that owning one of those will neither satisfy or fill the lack in my soul that I think it will. Instead, my reality would just shift to a different concern. 

I love the honesty of this disciple though. Here he is pointing out to Jesus how awesome this "church building" is. Jesus had grown up visiting that temple. I am sure as a boy, He had pondered its beauty. As the newly minted Messiah He was taken there again by Satan to see if its glitter would entice Him. Now here in the last days of His life He is asked to gaze on its awesomeness again. Now with the heart of experience and focus He makes this sobering statement, "Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left upon another which will not be torn down.”

The things of this world will not last. For our brief time on earth they beckon us to seek after them, but surely they are but a vaporous distraction in the large scope of eternity. As spiritual people, while enjoying the things this earth has, we know that they are transient to all. Therefore we are exhorted to "Seek the things above," and "Store up our treasures in heaven."

Every day I watch my neighbors pursuing the race that never ends to gain the things that can never satisfy. The sooner we switch our focus, the more quickly we will discover true enjoyment. Love, beauty, Spirit, peace, and joy are gifts that the poorest of us can access and own. Pause for a moment and allow Jesus to give you the wealth that is free.
 
Have a wonderful day.  

Friday