Imagine yourself back in First Century Jerusalem.
The Temple there is a hub of worship in the name of Yhwh.
You know that in all the world, this was the one City that seems centered upon the True God.
How could God ever allow it to be destroyed? How could living outside the walls of this great City
(perhaps alone in the wilderness), ever be preferable to being inside among "God's chosen people"?
To live outside in the wilderness,
would seem so displaced from "true worship", and all those practicing it.
Would this attitude have been correct?
The disciples of Jesus once said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" (Mark 13:1)
Luke 21:5 puts it:
"Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God."
Even the disciples closest to the Son of God were swayed by appearances. Remember...this appeal to Jesus was made immediately after Jesus announced that he was leaving this form of worship for good (Matt.23:38,39; Matt.24:1). The disciples were dismayed that such impressive buildings, history, and outward displays of dedication to God, could be dismissed and rejected by their Teacher. Let's consider Christ's response.
"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 13:2)
“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” (Luke 21:6)
“Do you see all these things?” he asked. “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Matt.24:2)
Then Jesus elaborates upon more of the signs that will involve this very City and it's Temple...
“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you in advance." (Matt.24:15-25)
“So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it does not belong” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." (Mark 13:14)
“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written." (Luke 21:20-22)
pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com
History has established Christ's warning as valid. Despite the outward show of piety and an apparent divine favor and blessing; Jesus saw the spiritual realities. It was the spiritual frame of reference from which he spoke. No matter how impressive a form of worship may appear, it is a fleeting mist if it is not constructed by, and approved of, by God (Psalm 127:1; 2Cor. 4:18; 2Pet. 3:11; 1John 2:17; Matt.15:13).
Yhwh God remains the same (Mal.3:6; James 1:17; Psalm 102:27).
His standards of holy righteousness rejected and abandoned the unfaithful before (Matt.23:38; Luke 23:45; Hosea 1:9; Matt.23:1-39). Do not be deceived by what many believe to be blessings from God. If you are viewing things physically, then you will naturally see things the way Jesus' disciples did. If you, like them, think that buildings, sacrifices, riches, power, prestige, millions of followers, and such outward showings prove God's favor...
then I ask you to contemplate what the source of physical blessing, is...
(1Cor. 4:8; 1John 2:15; Luke 4:5-6; James 1:27)
The faithful apostle Paul said, to those who thought God's blessings are manifested
in impressive physical ways...
"For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now." (1Cor. 4:9-13)
2Cor. 6:4,5,6,7,8,9,10; Luke 9:58; Matt.6:19,25,34; Jer.45:5)
The only face of true worship, is a practice according to "spirit and truth" (John 4:21,23,24). (LINK)
The glory of Christ was not physical, but spiritual (John 1:14) ("Glory").
Physical things of this world are not God's blessing (1John 2:15,16). The spiritual treasures of wisdom and understanding are (Prov.3:13,14,15,16,17,18; 4:13; 10:22; Ec.7:12; Prov.8:10,11; 2:4,5; 23:23; Matt.13:44,46; Rev.3:18; Matt.16:17; Rev.1:3).
If we do worship God properly according to spirit and truth (John 17:17; 2Cor. 5:5; 1Cor. 2:12; Matt.10:20) ...the most we may expect for our faithfulness, is our own soul (Jer.39:18; 45:5; Mark 8:35,36; John 12:25; Luke 21:36; 13:23,24). Our reward is not the impressive things of this world. Remember Christ's example, and what his reward was while on earth (1Pet. 2:21). He well knew that this life was meant for poverty, tribulation, and service. When Peter disagreed, Jesus said, "Get behind me Satan, for you think, not God's thoughts, but men's thoughts."(Mark 8:33).
The Temple there is a hub of worship in the name of Yhwh.
You know that in all the world, this was the one City that seems centered upon the True God.
How could God ever allow it to be destroyed? How could living outside the walls of this great City
(perhaps alone in the wilderness), ever be preferable to being inside among "God's chosen people"?
To live outside in the wilderness,
would seem so displaced from "true worship", and all those practicing it.
Would this attitude have been correct?
The disciples of Jesus once said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!" (Mark 13:1)
Luke 21:5 puts it:
"Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God."
Even the disciples closest to the Son of God were swayed by appearances. Remember...this appeal to Jesus was made immediately after Jesus announced that he was leaving this form of worship for good (Matt.23:38,39; Matt.24:1). The disciples were dismayed that such impressive buildings, history, and outward displays of dedication to God, could be dismissed and rejected by their Teacher. Let's consider Christ's response.
"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 13:2)
“As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” (Luke 21:6)
“Do you see all these things?” he asked. “I tell you the truth, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” (Matt.24:2)
Then Jesus elaborates upon more of the signs that will involve this very City and it's Temple...
“Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place” (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not go down to take anything out of his house. 18 And let him who is in the field not go back to get his clothes. 19 But woe to those who are pregnant and to those who are nursing babies in those days! 20 And pray that your flight may not be in winter or on the Sabbath. 21 For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved; but for the elect’s sake those days will be shortened.
“Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or ‘There!’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25 See, I have told you in advance." (Matt.24:15-25)
“So when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it does not belong” (let the reader understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains." (Mark 13:14)
“When you see Jerusalem being surrounded by armies, you will know that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, let those in the city get out, and let those in the country not enter the city. 22 For this is the time of punishment in fulfillment of all that has been written." (Luke 21:20-22)
pearl-disgustingthing.blogspot.com
History has established Christ's warning as valid. Despite the outward show of piety and an apparent divine favor and blessing; Jesus saw the spiritual realities. It was the spiritual frame of reference from which he spoke. No matter how impressive a form of worship may appear, it is a fleeting mist if it is not constructed by, and approved of, by God (Psalm 127:1; 2Cor. 4:18; 2Pet. 3:11; 1John 2:17; Matt.15:13).
Yhwh God remains the same (Mal.3:6; James 1:17; Psalm 102:27).
His standards of holy righteousness rejected and abandoned the unfaithful before (Matt.23:38; Luke 23:45; Hosea 1:9; Matt.23:1-39). Do not be deceived by what many believe to be blessings from God. If you are viewing things physically, then you will naturally see things the way Jesus' disciples did. If you, like them, think that buildings, sacrifices, riches, power, prestige, millions of followers, and such outward showings prove God's favor...
then I ask you to contemplate what the source of physical blessing, is...
(1Cor. 4:8; 1John 2:15; Luke 4:5-6; James 1:27)
The faithful apostle Paul said, to those who thought God's blessings are manifested
in impressive physical ways...
"For I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last, as men condemned to death; for we have been made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are distinguished, but we are dishonored! 11 To the present hour we both hunger and thirst, and we are poorly clothed, and beaten, and homeless. 12 And we labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We have been made as the filth of the world, the offscouring of all things until now." (1Cor. 4:9-13)
2Cor. 6:4,5,6,7,8,9,10; Luke 9:58; Matt.6:19,25,34; Jer.45:5)
The only face of true worship, is a practice according to "spirit and truth" (John 4:21,23,24). (LINK)
The glory of Christ was not physical, but spiritual (John 1:14) ("Glory").
Physical things of this world are not God's blessing (1John 2:15,16). The spiritual treasures of wisdom and understanding are (Prov.3:13,14,15,16,17,18; 4:13; 10:22; Ec.7:12; Prov.8:10,11; 2:4,5; 23:23; Matt.13:44,46; Rev.3:18; Matt.16:17; Rev.1:3).
If we do worship God properly according to spirit and truth (John 17:17; 2Cor. 5:5; 1Cor. 2:12; Matt.10:20) ...the most we may expect for our faithfulness, is our own soul (Jer.39:18; 45:5; Mark 8:35,36; John 12:25; Luke 21:36; 13:23,24). Our reward is not the impressive things of this world. Remember Christ's example, and what his reward was while on earth (1Pet. 2:21). He well knew that this life was meant for poverty, tribulation, and service. When Peter disagreed, Jesus said, "Get behind me Satan, for you think, not God's thoughts, but men's thoughts."(Mark 8:33).
Yes, to view God's blessing and reward as physical and worldly (buildings, power, dominion, position, etc.) is to lack a love and appreciation for God and His spirit, which he gives generously to those who serve, not for the physical, but for the spiritual (Matt.6:19-21). To watch as ones own dominion grows into a large number and assume that this is God's blessing, is to be deceived (Luke 12:15-21,30,33-34) (Luke 13:23,24; Matt.7:13,14,22-23).
In the first Century, it was not the impressive buildings, the large number of worshipers, nor the embellished form of worship that gave salvation. All these perished, along with their impressive holdings, members, and form of worship (Col.2:22,20; Matt.24:2; 2Pet. 3:11).
It was the Truth which saved (1Cor. 1:18; Rom.1:16; 1Cor. 2:14; 2Thess. 2:10). It was obedience which saved those who heeded Christ's warning
In the first Century, it was not the impressive buildings, the large number of worshipers, nor the embellished form of worship that gave salvation. All these perished, along with their impressive holdings, members, and form of worship (Col.2:22,20; Matt.24:2; 2Pet. 3:11).
It was the Truth which saved (1Cor. 1:18; Rom.1:16; 1Cor. 2:14; 2Thess. 2:10). It was obedience which saved those who heeded Christ's warning
(Matt.24:16; Deut.30:15,19; Prov.12:28; Jer.21:8; Micah 6:8; Luke 19:44).
As we know, Jerusalem was destroyed in 70CE, and only those who heeded Christ's prophetic warning, were protected.
Jesus compared the end of the Covenant with the nation of Israel (Matt.21:43; Heb.8:7; 10:16; Deut.11:18; Rev.14:1), to the end of the Covenant with the "Israel of God" when it's fulfillment ends Satan's dominion. (Matt.24:3,30,31,35; 2Pet. 3:7,12,13; 1John 2:17; 1Cor. 15:24-26). We can expect that just as the signs saw fulfillment in first Century Jerusalem; those signs will see a spiritual fulfillment among those to become New Jerusalem. This comparison of "first physical, last spiritual" can be discerned at Gal.4:25,26 and 1Cor. 15:46; 2:14.
The first covenant (Gal.4:24,25) was with physical Jerusalem/fleshly seed of Abraham. The second Covenant is with spiritual "Jerusalem above" (Gal.4:26) spiritual seed of Abraham (Gal.3:26-29; Rom.2:28-29) (Jew/Gentile). The tribulation of those unfaithful to first Covenant is also physical. The tribulation of those unfaithful to the second covenant is also spiritual.
To read the Bible's interpretation of the spiritual signs Jesus gave in Matthew, chapter24, and how they indicate the end/fulfillment of the "New Covenant" ("Fulfillment/End of New Covenant"); please consider this link: (pearl-sign.blogspot.com)
The reason I have written about this today, is because I heard a comment given by someone in my old Congregation of "Jehovah's Witnesses".
He said, "The Organization may be imperfect, even wrong a lot of the times; but it's the best thing out there; and it obviously has God's blessing."
I'm sure many Jews and Christians felt the same way about the first Century City of Jerusalem.
Jesus' own disciples did, but they were not viewing things spiritually, and they were wrong.
Matt.24:15,16
What then, are the "mountains/hills of Judea" (in the time of the end),
where Jesus said we should spiritually flee to? (Matt.24:16)
I hope these scriptures will help you to discern that...
Matt.5:14,16; Zech.6:1; Zech.4:14; Rev.11:4,3; (Rev.12:6; John 14:3; Heb.13:13; Matt.25:6);
Psalm 72:3; 3:4; 2Chron. 13:10,11,12; Joel 3:18; Zech.14:8; Isa.65:9; Jer.50:19,20; Zech.3:9; Luke 23:30; Eze.36:8
(where-is-true-religion)
For more information, click on-
"First the Wall, Then the Temple"
"YHWH's Genuine Mountain"
"An Illustration"
LINK TO MAIN HOMEPAGE
LINK TO DIRECTORY OF ARTICLES
Jesus compared the end of the Covenant with the nation of Israel (Matt.21:43; Heb.8:7; 10:16; Deut.11:18; Rev.14:1), to the end of the Covenant with the "Israel of God" when it's fulfillment ends Satan's dominion. (Matt.24:3,30,31,35; 2Pet. 3:7,12,13; 1John 2:17; 1Cor. 15:24-26). We can expect that just as the signs saw fulfillment in first Century Jerusalem; those signs will see a spiritual fulfillment among those to become New Jerusalem. This comparison of "first physical, last spiritual" can be discerned at Gal.4:25,26 and 1Cor. 15:46; 2:14.
The first covenant (Gal.4:24,25) was with physical Jerusalem/fleshly seed of Abraham. The second Covenant is with spiritual "Jerusalem above" (Gal.4:26) spiritual seed of Abraham (Gal.3:26-29; Rom.2:28-29) (Jew/Gentile). The tribulation of those unfaithful to first Covenant is also physical. The tribulation of those unfaithful to the second covenant is also spiritual.
To read the Bible's interpretation of the spiritual signs Jesus gave in Matthew, chapter24, and how they indicate the end/fulfillment of the "New Covenant" ("Fulfillment/End of New Covenant"); please consider this link: (pearl-sign.blogspot.com)
The reason I have written about this today, is because I heard a comment given by someone in my old Congregation of "Jehovah's Witnesses".
He said, "The Organization may be imperfect, even wrong a lot of the times; but it's the best thing out there; and it obviously has God's blessing."
I'm sure many Jews and Christians felt the same way about the first Century City of Jerusalem.
Jesus' own disciples did, but they were not viewing things spiritually, and they were wrong.
Matt.24:15,16
What then, are the "mountains/hills of Judea" (in the time of the end),
where Jesus said we should spiritually flee to? (Matt.24:16)
I hope these scriptures will help you to discern that...
Matt.5:14,16; Zech.6:1; Zech.4:14; Rev.11:4,3; (Rev.12:6; John 14:3; Heb.13:13; Matt.25:6);
Psalm 72:3; 3:4; 2Chron. 13:10,11,12; Joel 3:18; Zech.14:8; Isa.65:9; Jer.50:19,20; Zech.3:9; Luke 23:30; Eze.36:8
(where-is-true-religion)
For more information, click on-
"First the Wall, Then the Temple"
"YHWH's Genuine Mountain"
"An Illustration"
LINK TO DIRECTORY OF ARTICLES
is the second , new covenant not eternal? how can it be destroyed?
ReplyDeleteMy reply can be found in a Jan.10, 2013 post, located at
Deletehttp://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2013/01/in-response-to-jan.html