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Too Impressed

As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” - Mark 13:1-2

Last June I had the privilege of serving alongside the good people of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Joplin, Missouri as they brought help and hope to their city devastated by the massive tornado of May 22, 2011. In this, as with all disasters, one of the things people struggle with is sorting through the rubble of things that once seemed solid to them. Folks who had spent thirty plus years in a home now stood on an empty slab wondering what happened to all they worked for.

Jesus’ disciples were wowed by the massive stones and impressive structures that made up the temple complex in Jerusalem. As with many people through the ages they were quite taken with the works of human hands. It’s within our nature to impress ourselves and put a great deal of emotional energy into things. When those things are swept away we can be thrown into crisis wondering what happened to what we thought was permanent. There is nothing permanent on this earth. Placing your trust, confidence or security in any earthly thing is folly. As Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”. (Matthew 6:19-21)

Consider what in your life you consider permanent, whether it’s a building, a job, a relationship or any other thing you’re so impressed with that you’ve set your heart on it. Our hearts can be wounded deeply when what they’re set on are at risk of being blown away.

Prayer
Lord, keep me from setting my heart on anything but you. I trust you to provide all things that are needful for me. May I only be truly impressed by you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.