Timely Insights into God's Word from Khandielese Reyes

“And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here!  And Jesus answering saith unto him, ‘seest thou these great buildings?  There shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down’.” (Mark 13:1-2)  “For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, YE are God’s building.   According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon.  But let every man take head how he buildeth thereupon.  For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.  If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.  If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.  Know ye not that YE are the temple of GOD, and that the SPIRIT OF GOD dwelleth in you.” (1^st Cor 3:9-16) 

Jesus and His disciples were exiting the temple where the Lord had just delivered a most powerful word.  During this time of ministering in the temple, the chief priests, scribes and elders questioned His authority.  The Sadducees questioned Him about the “resurrection” of the dead.  The scribes questioned Him on the greatest commandment given by God; and he gave a stern warning to those whom he taught about the dangers of seeking the glory of man as did the scribes and Pharisees seek.  No doubt, during the lessons taught the disciples and others listened intently to his words, as his words would have grasped the attention of anyone who was truly seeking the truth.  However, although all that attended that day appeared to be listening, the question is, were they HEARING and RECEIVING that which he shared.   One would think that the words delivered from the Lord would be so profound, that it would cause continual conversation even after leaving the place where he spoke.  The joy of hearing such great words would be on the hearts and minds of all those who heard that the subject matter(s) would continue on well after the service.  However, upon leaving the temple one of the Disciples attention turned from the message he just heard, to the splendor of the building where the message was delivered.    For that moment, it would appear he was more impressed over the beauty of the building, than he was over the lesson taught by the Lord. His comments and focus were on marble stones, and great architect, more so than the Master Builder who stood before him. Yet, when they all met in their homes with Him, or when they and the great multitudes that followed met on the hillsides, or anywhere else outside the grand building, ALL eyes and focus were on The Lord.  All desiring his touch, desiring his words, desiring to LEARN of Him.  Full of questions, seeking wisdom and understanding of the parables he shared.  Nothing around them diverted their attention away from His speech, and when they were alone with Him, they continued speaking about the things they had learned from Him, seeking to know more.  Sometimes you “Can’t see Jesus beyond the glory of the building.”  Only when they come from under the self-glorified man made shrines, are they truly able to allow The Lord to shine. 

The bible tells us that WE as parts and members of his body, collectively is the CHURCH.  According to scripture WE are “His Building”, WE are THE TEMPLE of God and His Spirit dwells within THIS TEMPLE.  Therefore, this being of truth, why is it more attention is continually placed upon that which man has built with his hands than that which GOD has RAISED by HIS SPIRIT?   Man carefully and attentively cares for the marble and stones, brick upon brick is laid down with exquisite detail until he has formed a sight of great splendor.  All the while, the Lord’s TRUE building suffers lack.  Is our Father more pleased with marble and stone than he is with the heart of man?  Does it bring MORE glory to God to fund a grand building, or is He MORE glorified through the caring and tending of His sheep?  If brethren are hungry and you rather choose to utilize the funds in adding more beauty to your building, how is God Glorified through it all?  Would it not please him MORE that the hungry is fed?  There is nothing wrong with beautiful buildings, but it is extremely wrong to neglect one another and emphasize the expansion of the building as more important.  Though it may not be verbally declared, however action speaks louder than words and for many, their actions declare they are more concerned with the building than the body.  However GOD is MORE CONCERNED WITH THE BODY THAN THE BUILDING.   For he is not glorified through a building, but through the BODY, and a building cannot lead people to Christ Jesus.  It can only house those who come, but FIRST they must come.   The world can stand afar off and admire the beauty and splendor of the buildings, make comments of it’s exquisite detailing, and curiously wonder how much cost was put into it BUT none of these things will cause the world to desire to enter through it’s doors.  And why?  Because they “Can’t See Jesus Beyond the Glory of the Building”!   How they see Jesus is through the believers and many “believers” represent Him in an EXTREMELY poor manner.  So they can admire your buildings but never see Him.  They hear speech ABOUT Jesus, but never see Him.  For the world (Lost souls) your buildings are uninviting, because they cannot see Him for you’ve just spoken of Him, but have not SHOWN HIM to them!  How we make him manifest is through our LOVE for one another, and our caring and blessing one another with the gifts given by our Father.  For if those who know not the Lord Jesus witnessed HIS BODY, HIS CHURCH genuinely and lovingly caring for one another, they would then see a glimpse of Christ and many would desire to draw closer to this for ALL have a need to belong, to feel loved, and to be accepted.  But, how can one feel accepted or invited if they see not the Love of Christ Jesus demonstrated through those who are parts and members of his own body.  In GOD’S FAMILY it is NOT “every man for himself”, but we are ONE though parts and members having different functioning we still are ONE body with Christ being the Head.  If one member suffers we all suffer with him.  If one rejoices we all rejoice with him.  In the Body of Christ there is NO “I and you” but WE!  WE are the body of Christ, not I AM the body of Christ for the body doesn’t consist of only one member, but MANY members.  Thus, WE must begin in caring for one another AS SUCH, displaying the love of our Lord Jesus, through our Love for one another.  The body is not secondary to the building, but is FIRST.  Therefore, MORE emphasis should be upon the body, and LESS upon the beautifying of the building.  For again, the building cannot bring Glory to God, WE are commissioned to do such.   

To the world, let us show the splendor of Christ Jesus in our GENUINE LOVE and CARE for one another and this is how they shall see him, and how they shall know that we are His Disciples.  For as now, they “Can’t See Jesus Beyond the Glory of the Building”, thus let us show them JESUS by showing them HIS BODY! 

I love you all so very much. Have a blessed week in the Lord and remember: Whatever we do, do ALL for the GLORY of GOD, who ALONE is worthy of the GLORY and the PRAISE!

The Lord be with you this day and always!  Shalom Uvracha (Peace and Blessings)…….. 

Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh,
Adonai Elohim Tzeva-ot
Asher Hayah Va-ho-veh VaY’vo

Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God Almighty
Who was and is and is to come!

May the peace of the Lord be with you today and always……

Khandielese
Daughter & Servant
   of the Lord God