On their way to the Mount of Olives, the disciples drew Christ's attention to the grandeur of the temple. Yet, Christ saw the emptiness and its coming destruction because of the sins of its people. His words tore at the hope living in his followers. The design of God's love is not in buildings made of cement and steel, covered with gold, and filled with incense; but the spiritual temple that is built from "living stones". His temple is built by believers who are filled with the Holy Spirit, who serve God in our corrupt world. Have you become a living stone in God's temple? Or do you still look like the useless stone that is thrown in the fields? Put yourself at Christ's disposal that He may trim your edges and make you a useful person forever.
The Old Covenant temple had to fall that the New Covenant temple could be established in its place. Christ's disciples at that time could not part with the old sanctuary because they could not imagine a new and better temple. They trembled for the destruction and the coming end of the center of their civilization. They were afraid for their lives, neighbors, and friends. They did not fully understand the coming of Christ's kingdom, but asked the Lord exactly when and how this great destruction would happen, and when the kingdom of God would appear. They wished for the coming of the divine kingdom but without pain or destruction.
Do you fear the future? Do you feel insecure amidst the falling of bombs and the death of those around you? Be comforted and don't be fearful even if your body is wasting away, for all of this may indicate that the coming of the Lord and the completion of His kingdom are near in spite of growing darkness. Do you long to know future developments? Do not forget that all these events are indications of the second coming of Christ. Distress and problems may be signs of the coming of the Lord. Do not lose sight of this in the midst of troubles which weigh on you, but raise your head for your redemption is at hand.