God's Plan...

 Today's Readings: OT - Job 20:1-11 / NT - Matthew 24:1-14

"Jesus left the temple and was going away, when his disciples came to point out to him the buildings of the temple. But he answered them, “You see all these, do you not? Truly, I say to you, there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down."" -- Matthew 24:1-2

Since 1650 there has been a vital gospel ministry in London called the Tabernacle Fellowship. Through the years such men as Benjamin Keach, John Gill and C.H. Spurgeon served as pastors. The Tabernacle of Spurgeon's day was burned down in 1898, and then rebuilt only to be burned down a second time during World War Two. The ministry continues to this day as a viable ministry of God. Buildings come and go, but the work of God continues just as He planned...in the hearts and lives of His people.

As the disciples marveled at the great buildings of the Temple, Jesus pointed out their eventual destruction. In fact, in 70 A.D. the Roman Military Commander Titus Flavius Vespasianus led a 143 day siege with 30,000 troops and destroyed the Temple buildings and burned Jerusalem to the ground. While Jesus spoke of this horrific destruction, he continued to foretell of many more prophetic events, including his second coming. Buildings will come and go, but the work of God continues just as He planned...in the hearts and lives of His people.

As we take this passage under consideration my friend, stop for a moment and consider the building in which you worship. Are you caught with its splendor or historic characteristic? Do you think that the gospel ministry taking place in this building depends on the edifice? Remember, buildings come and go, but the work of God continues just as He planned...in the hearts and lives of His people.

AFTERTHOUGHT

My dear brother or sister... do you ever feel as if the hands of God are just too busy with planning and building the kingdom? Have you ever wondered where you fit into such an immense program? Does your God have time to be interested in your private troubles and pain? Oh, if you only knew the depth of our Lord's compassion and love for you! 

May I remind you that the Lord has "engraved you on the palms of his hands" (Isaiah 49:16)?  Or, do you know that "The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms"? (Deuteronomy 33:27) Be encouraged then, because He said... "even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, I will bear; I will carry and will save." (Isaiah 46:4)

See, there is no building on earth or kingdom work that can take the place of you in the heart of God. He is determined to carry you to the very end of this life and into eternal glory. I know this to be true because, "he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6) Be blessed my friend.

 Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Job 20:12-29 / NT - Matthew 24:15-31