Not One Stone Will Be Left

November 30, 2019

DAILY READINGS

Psalm 122
Genesis 6:11-22
Matthew 24:1-22
This weekend’s scripture: Matthew 24:36-44

FIELD NOTES

Matthew 24 (and its counterparts—Mark 13 and Luke 21) is sometimes called The Little Apocalypse (John’s Revelation being The Big Apocalypse) because of its end-time imagery and warnings.  Talking about the “End Times” can be scary.  Lots of harsh language about persecution and punishment and death and destruction. 

This time though, what caught my eye is verse 2: “Truly, not one stone [of the temple in Jerusalem] will be left here upon another; all will be thrown down.”  And my gut instinct was to read this destruction as bad news. 

But “apocalypse” simply means “a revealing”.  And I know that sometimes, in order for something new to be built, the old has to be torn down first.  So, if you’re invested in the old ways, then yes, there will be pain and suffering in the days to come.  But if you’re invested in what’s about to be built, then actually your future is quite bright and joyful.    

QUESTIONS FROM THE FIELD

• How are you investing in the way things are currently done? 
  
• How are you investing in the here-and-coming Kingdom of God?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• Toddlers can spend hours stacking and knocking down blocks.  What do you think is the best thing about knocking things down? 
  
• What’s the best thing about building things up?

PRAYER GUIDE

[A prayer of destruction/construction from the 8th century]: God may you steal from me, all that steals me from you. Amen.