Read today’s texts first: Ezra 9,10; Psalm 131; Luke 21
Only God leaves a “lasting” impression.
Sometimes I listen to the TV on remote headphones when I’m cleaning the house, and recently I caught up on some PVR episodes of The Voice and Bill Gaither (old people have eclectic taste!). As I listened to the up-and-coming raw talent on The Voice, I have to admit I was impressed with people and their skills in music and production. But when the Gaithers began singing, my spirit suddenly was filled with awe at how much more impressive God is.
When you meditate on God’s Word throughout the day it comes back to you in those moments. Chapter 21 in Luke talks about how impressive the Temple was (the same temple that Ezra helped rebuild after Israel’s prolonged captivity). It was a spectacular tribute to human engineering. But Jesus quickly brings perspective when He prophesies what will happen to this temple in the very near future (it was demolished by Titus some 40 years later). He then contrasts the temporal state of the world with the permanence of His Word (v.33).
What struck me today was the simple story of the widow’s mite (KJV) that led into this profound teaching moment. She understood that her strength, her future, was in God’s good hands and not in her ability to provide for herself. That’s why she traded everything she had in this world for what Jesus promises in the life to come. The same kind of sacrifice was required of the exiles in the Ezra reading as they were called to give up their heathen wives in obedience to God’s Word.
Christians today, like the Israelites of old, often make compromises, especially in our very comfortable and impressive western world. I know I have, but “Lord thank You for reminding me today what, or should I say, Who, is really impressive!”
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus
Let all heaven and earth proclaim
Kings and kingdoms shall all pass away
But there's something about that name.
(Bill and Gloria Gaither)
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