Service

Matthew 24:2 – Jesus answered them, “You see all these things? Truly I tell you, there will not be left stone upon stone that will not be destroyed.”

Jesus has just been giving the scribes and Pharisees grief for the way they are treating the children of Israel. He’s been telling them that people matter more than the Law for an entire chapter. As they walk away from that sermon, do you think Jesus was just a little disappointed that the disciples were commenting on all the temple buildings instead? Do you ever hear these words in a mildly peevish tone?

At any rate, as he prophesies the destruction of the temple, he also reminds the disciples not to cling too closely to the things of the earth. The disciples see strength as well as beauty; the temple represents the might of Yahweh after all. Jesus reminds them that people are more important than buildings – just what he’s been saying. God’s people and God’s creation are more important than the creations of human beings. People feel sad and happy; buildings don’t have emotions. People can be oppressed or treated unjustly; buildings cannot. It’s impossible to have a relationship with a building. Human-made artifacts are not creations in the same way as God’s creation. As creatures who possess the breath of God we're made to be in relationship with each other and with God.

Which is not to say that buildings and infrastructure are not important! They most certainly are. But, like God’s Law, the buildings and the infrastructure are to serve human beings, not the other way around. Having shelter in the rain is important. Being able to trust the bridges we drive over is important. Having roads without potholes and sidewalks without buckles are important. Having a place to worship is important. Having a place to govern from is important. Maintaining these things is important. The things we make and acquire should serve all of us in some way. If we find we are serving our possessions, we are not in right relationship with God or others.

This right relationship requires us to consider the effects of our decision on other; not just our immediate family, but also the neighborhood and the planet. The problem with having too much money, ten yachts, or more than one house is one of injustice. When we take more than our share or take more than we need, we are stealing from those who have none. This is what serving our possessions looks like. Grasping, clinging, paying people to take care of them, spending more and more resources on upkeep for ourselves and ignoring the very real needs of those around us.

Yes, the temple was beautiful. The skyscrapers are a marvel. The pyramids of Egypt and the cathedrals of Europe are astounding. But their beauty was secondary; they were built for people to use. Just as the Sabbath was made for humans, not humans for the Sabbath; the buildings are to serve us. Let's remember to serve God rather than our possessions.