Looking Beyond What Impressive Eyes Can See
Earthly structures may fall, but the kingdom of God stands forever.
Devotional Credit:
Open Windows – T. Austin-Sparks, from The Mountains Around Jerusalem – Chapter 5
Photo Credit:
Unsplash
The disciples, with sincere yet misplaced enthusiasm, pointed out the grandeur of the temple to Jesus. They wanted Him to share their admiration for the building’s beauty and scale. But their focus revealed something deeper: they still measured importance by earthly standards. After all their time with Him, they still thought in terms of visible greatness, permanence, and human approval.
Jesus’ response shifted the entire perspective. The physical temple they so admired was destined for complete disintegration. Not one stone would remain on another. What they saw as established and enduring would crumble, because it was part of an old order passing away. This was not simply a prediction about architecture or politics, but a revelation of God’s work in replacing what is temporary with what is eternal.
From the Mount, Jesus drew their vision upward. He showed them that heaven’s purposes were unfolding, that the “permanent” things of this world would make way for the unshakable reality of His kingdom. Earthly grandeur, whether political, cultural, or even religious, cannot compare to the surpassing worth of life in Him.
We are not unlike the disciples. It is easy to be impressed by the tangible, to feel secure in what looks immovable, to measure worth by recognition or appearance. But Jesus invites us to see from a higher vantage point, where the true treasure is not in stones and structures but in Him, the One who is eternal.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
Lift your eyes from the structures of this world, for they will not last. The things you see are temporary, but what I give you is eternal. I have made you a temple not built with hands, and My Spirit dwells in you. Do not measure your worth or your security by the grandeur of what man builds or esteems, for such things will pass away.
Set your mind on things above, where I am seated at the right hand of the Father, and where your life is hidden with Me. The kingdoms of this world, with their monuments and accolades, are fading shadows. You are part of a kingdom that cannot be shaken.
When what you trusted in begins to crumble, remember that your foundation is in Me. I am your permanence, your inheritance, your hope. My purposes will stand when every other structure falls. Live today in the reality that you already belong to what is unshakable. Let your heart rest in Me, for I am the treasure that will never diminish.
Scripture References: 2 Corinthians 4:18, 1 Corinthians 3:16–17, Colossians 3:1–4, Hebrews 12:28, Matthew 24:1–2, Philippians 3:20–21, Isaiah 40:8
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine walking through a city and admiring a row of old, beautiful buildings. They look solid and enduring. Then you hear they are scheduled for demolition, to make way for something entirely new. Suddenly their apparent permanence is an illusion. You realize they were never meant to last.
In the same way, the things in this world that seem unshakable—status, possessions, traditions—are temporary. The Lord invites us to anchor our lives in what cannot be destroyed. Today, when you find yourself impressed or swayed by what looks powerful or lasting, pause and say, “Lord, I trust You to be my permanence and my foundation in this moment.” Let His kingdom values define your priorities and your peace.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, thank You that my life is built on You, the sure foundation. You are my permanence and my security. I rejoice that the treasures of this world cannot compare to the treasure I have in You. I rest in the unshakable truth that Your kingdom endures forever and that I already belong to it.