Mark 13:1
In
the movie “Up” the dog Dug gets easily distracted. Even when important things
are happening, his mind gets pulled other places. Does this sound familiar? I
know it does for me. Life today is filled with so many side attractions, so
many things that can pull our hearts and minds away from what really matters. It
could be very easy to spend life on side pursuits and end up empty at the
finish line.
I
don’t think the disciple who remarked about the beauty and majesty of the architecture
there in Jerusalem wanted to know about the future. I don’t think he was asking
about the city’s destruction. I also don’t think he was wondering if alien
technology had been used in the construction. I think he was just making small
talk at the end of a long day.
If
you have been to ancient cities, there are often ruins of buildings that boggle
the mind. Walking through the ruins of Pompeii my mind and imagination could
imagine the city in its moments before the destruction from the Mount Vesuvius
eruption. It had beautifully painted homes and businesses, sculpted gardens,
public buildings and theaters, bistros and coffee shops. It was a very modern
city. It even had running water controlled by faucets.
Rome
is filled with magnificent buildings, buildings that trumpeted the wealth and
influence of the empire. Anyone who came to that city knew that it was the seat
of power. The Aztec and Incan ruins speak of power and values. New York,
Washington, DC, Paris, Shanghai, Singapore. All these cities speak about their
cultures and their values, and the power of the human spirit to make a profit,
impose taxes, and self-promotion.
Jerusalem
and been built as the model city, as a place worthy of the presence of the
LORD, the Creator of the Universe, sustainer of His people, and the “God with
us” God. Rulers of that day come thousands of miles to see this city and its
treasures. But because of the rebellion of His people, the city had been handed
over to enemies who carted off the riches and destroyed the rest. The poorest
of the poor were allowed to stay and maintain the crops so that the new sheriff
in town could get their spoils each year.
It
had then been rebuilt, but not with the splendor of the previous city. They
didn’t have the wealth and power they once had. And it was this rebuilt city
that this disciple sees. And even these rebuilt walls were wonderful to see.
Despite the presence of the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mound today, the
ancient city is still speaking of its greatness today.
But
if we miss the message of this disciple we might miss the LORD. Although he is
probably making small talk, he is distracted from Jesus. These are the final
days of Jesus’ life prior to His death and resurrection. These moments are
important, perhaps more important than any other. Ask anyone who spends time
with a dying relative. The last moments seem very important.
Jesus
is just a few steps away, and this disciple is looking at the buildings. He
pulls out his cell phone and takes a few selfies. He posts them to FB. He
responds to a few text messages. And all the while Jesus is right there.
We
go out to eat a meal with family or friends. Do we spend it with them, or do we
allow ourselves to be distracted? Do we silence our phones when family is
around? Or do we, like a family we saw recently, sit in a circle and text and
surf, without any conversation across the table. Are we so busy traveling that
we don’t take time to notice the people with whom we are making the journey of
life?