Holy Week, A House Abandoned - Disciple Makers Series #23Sample

Having hearts that follow Jesus' words  

Thoughts on the message

Now Jesus talks about what will happen when the temple would be destroyed (it was destroyed by the Romans in 70AD). Jerusalem was destroyed but history says that very few Christians were there – they took Jesus’ warning seriously and left the city. The Jewish people faced unbelievable persecution and destruction by the Romans – just as Jesus said.

Why was this important? The disciples loved Jerusalem and the temple, but they left when Jesus gave them specific direction on when to leave and get away. It is something we can trust God to do for us as well. When we get tied too closely with something God has blessed in the past – but it no longer honors Him – then we can expect God to warn His people if He plans to bring judgment. Remember that God can do it to us just like He did to His people Israel and His city Jerusalem. So keep your heart tied firmly to Jesus.

Prayer

Father, Jesus helped His followers stay out of the place of judgment – Jerusalem. Even today, we see places of Your judgment with nations being torn apart by war and oppression. Father, give us ears to hear when our time for ministry is finished and we need to move. Sometimes it is clear, but often my heart wants to seek blessing when the people refuse it and they open the doors for Your judgment. Help me to work diligently until then and never give up. Finally, as I look at my own life, I must ask for a heart that is soft to Your word. I see the terrible price that is paid by people who ignore Your word, become deaf to Your word or choose to reject Your word. I do not want to be numbered with people like that. In Jesus’ name, Amen.