Permanence
No matter how well the building is built, it will one day come down.
As he came out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look, Teacher, what large stones and what large buildings!” Then Jesus asked him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.” When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign that all these things are about to be accomplished?” Then Jesus began to say to them, “Beware that no one leads you astray. Many will come in my name and say, ‘I am he!’ and they will lead many astray. When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed; this must take place, but the end is still to come. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; there will be earthquakes in various places; there will be famines. This is but the beginning of the birthpangs. “As for yourselves, beware; for they will hand you over to councils; and you will be beaten in synagogues; and you will stand before governors and kings because of me, as a testimony to them. And the good news must first be proclaimed to all nations. When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all because of my name. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. - Mark 13:1-13
Whenever we go to Europe, we are amazed at the sights. There, buildings have stood for centuries.
They seem immortal, having survived wars and earthquakes, floods and all sorts of challenges.
Jesus makes a point using the buildings as an example of our perception of permanence. Nothing lasts forever.
I remember feeling sharp pains watching Notre Dame Cathedral in flames. Paris will never be the same without that beautiful skyline from the Seine. But it can be rebuilt.
As long as we have a will and the time and money, we can put the building back together.
All it takes is commitment.
So, permanence takes effort. It doesn't come naturally. In nature, all things crumble and fall.
Buildings. Mountains. Civilizations. All things.
This past week, we watched Afghanistan crumble. The support structure was taken away, and we foolishly believed it wasn't needed anymore.
It makes me wonder what would happen if we pulled out of other countries where we have a presence.
The permanence of democracy and freedom depends on our commitment to keep it alive.
That is important to keep in mind as we make our way from day to day planning and thinking ahead.
What is worth living for is worth fighting for.
More to come...