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Bible Readings: Luke 21:1-19; Psalm 102:1-11

Hear my prayer, Lord;
    let my cry for help come to you.
Do not hide your face from me
    when I am in distress.
Turn your ear to me;
    when I call, answer me quickly.  Psalm 102:1-2

Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” Luke 21:5-6

 

The demanding nature of this prayer takes me by surprise:

“Hear my prayer”

“Turn your ear to me”

“When I call, answer me quickly.”

It reminds me of a parent trying to discipline a stubborn child.  Could you imagine a child talking to their parent this way?  But even more shocking, a person talking to God this way? 

But this prayer does not come from a position of power or strength or even the illusion of power or control.  It comes from a place of brokenness.  This is a person who knows that they have no control over their future and no power to change their circumstances. 

In our Gospel text, for the Jews, the temple was a sign of stability - God’s presence and their righteousness.  But Jesus tells them that there will be a different sign – a sign that God is ushering in a new Kingdom.  Everything that once represented stability and strength will be no more.  It is scary and earth-shaking to lose those things in life that we come to rely on.  What happens when we lose loved ones?  Our job?  Our health?  Where is the good news?

And so Jesus said, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” (John 2:19)

The good news is that Jesus redeems, restores, and rescues!  Even death on a cross could not defeat Jesus.  For on the third day…. he rose from the grave!

“Stand firm, and you will win life.” (Luke 21:19)

This is why Jesus preaches early in his ministry these words:

Blessed are the poor in spirit,
    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
    for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
    for they will inherit the earth.  (Matthew 5:3-5)

The good news is that God’s kingdom changes everything.  No person is left without hope.  “Blessed” are those who recognize their need of God and trust him with the outcome. 

For the Lord will rebuild Zion
    and appear in his glory.
He will respond to the prayer of the destitute;
    he will not despise their plea.  (Psalm 102:16-17)

Heavenly Father, “hear my prayer…let my cry for help come to you.” (from Psalm 102:1)