Gospel of Luke 21:5-11
While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorn with costly stones and votive offerings, Jesus said, "All that you see here-the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will no be thrown down."
I imagine the temple adorned with precious stones and fine jewels along with regular building stones. The people wanted the Yahweh's house to be beautiful and welcoming. Just like the Ark of the Covenant adorn with precious gold, the temple's architectural features venerated God. Jesus warns that such costly stones and votive offerings will be destroyed. The new Christian faith won't be isolated to the city of Jerusalem. God will become omnipresent everywhere and with us at all times.
Can you imagine as modern-day Christians our only place of worship was a temple in Jerusalem? Not many of us could travel so far for Sunday worship! What if Christianity failed to spread and churches never formed around the world? Christianity would seize to exist. What a travesty......
When I think of heaven, I see a peaceful and tranquil place. No illness. No violence and war. No stress and burdens. No poverty, hunger, or homelessness. We're surrounded by friends and loved ones as well as the Saints. What immense joy! The heavenly jewels of the Kingdom of God would be of no monetary value; however, they'd be even more precious. I imagine our individual guardian angels adorned with such fine heavenly jewels. Each jewel radiating a specific virtue to aid us through our lives.
What would the heavenly jewels consist of?
Rubies of love
Sapphires of devotion
Diamonds & Pearls of purity
Citrines of joy
Emeralds of hope
Amethysts for healing
Onyx for protection
Gold for courage
When I see jewels, I'm reminded that God created everything on earth to be beautiful. Man's fallen nature makes things ugly. Why not wear the heavenly jewels of Christ? Always remember his immense love for us. Keep things holy and beautiful!
-J.
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