Day 214 – August 2, 2021
Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 23, Luke 21 It is the conviction of NT Wright, that Luke 21, the Day of Desolation, is in reference to the destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem in the year AD 70. It certainly makes for a helpful understanding and interpretation because it is often said that this generation will see it happen. We tend to think that it is entirely about the Son of Man returning a second time. Wright is, I think, mostly right. There is a chance that Jesus is talking about both his return, and also the destruction of the temple. That this is in part, about the temple, but overall about the return of Christ and all that he is accomplishing in the new age of the kingdom. The nuance of that discussion is not needed here. Let’s simply agree that Jesus is making a prediction about the ransacking of Jerusalem, and it will be a great and terrible event. In our 1 Chronicles reading, we hear about the Levites who take up the task every day in the tabernacle to minister for the people. The Aaronic priesthood is tasked with ministering in the tabernacle for the people of God. This tabernacle will become the temple, when the Israelites are settled in the promised land. Jesus comes to end this completely. As far as we can tell, since the destruction of the temple - in AD 70 – the temple has never returned and its sacrificial purposes have never been restored. That’s because Jesus ends all sacrifice! The blood of bulls can’t cleanse the conscience or wipe away sin – but the blood of Jesus can! We come to Jesus as the temple of God, drawing near to Him through Christ. We have life and forgiveness in his name. Draw near to God as he draws near to you! Jordan
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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