Missing God

Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.’ (John 2:19)

Many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree.  Some stood up and gave false testimony against him, saying, "We heard him say, "I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.'" But even on this point their testimony did not agree (Mark 14:56-59)

The devotional I read this morning (Journey to the Cross: Reflecting on 24 Hours that Changed the World by Adam Hamilton) points out that the testimony offered at Jesus's trial by the Sanhedrin misquotes what Jesus said.  Jesus is, of course, referring to his body in the passage from John.  The testimony in the Mark passage states that Jesus is going to destroy the temple and then three days later build it back.  According to Hamilton, "Threatening to destroy it [the temple] would be an act of terrorism and blasphemy."  Remember, this is where God dwelt - in the temple.  Imagine your reaction if you believed that, and someone was threatening to destroy it.

Jesus hadn't said he was going to destroy the Temple.  He had said that when his body (the temple) was destroyed, it would be built back in 3 days.  Hamilton goes on to say, "When Jesus walked into the Temple courts, the glory of the Lord entered that place."  And yet, those present didn't recognize him.

How often do we not recognize Jesus?  Do we believe God still walks among us?  Do we ignore him?  Do we not see him?  Do we purposefully keep our minds, hearts and eyes closed to the presence of the Lord, or are we so busy, that we just miss God?

Perhaps today we can intentionally keep watch.