When confronted by the Pharisees and scribes concerning issues of authority, Jesus said, “Destroy this temple and I will raise it up in three days.” These words were spoken within the confines of the temple in Jerusalem, which of course took decades to build with hundreds of workers. Of course, we know Jesus was speaking about the temple of his body, that he would be killed, thus, destroyed, but then raised up on the third day by the powerful hand of God. Later, the disciples marveled at the huge buildings and the surrounding temple. But Jesus said to them, “Do you see all these things? Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”
These two occurrences took place on the day after Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem, the day we call Palm Sunday. This year, on the day after Palm Sunday, I could not help but recall these two passages from Scripture. Another iconic temple built nearly a thousand years ago by hundreds of God’s people was de-stroyed by fire. Notre Dame Cathedral is a fixture in the landscape of Paris, and also within the landscape of the Christian Church. It has withstood wars and many natural disasters, and for centuries, it has been a gathering place for the faithful people of God.
While serving in the navy, I was fortunate to be able to visit Notre Dame. It was long ago, and my memories are dulled by time, but I can remember the feeling of wonder, much like it must have been for the disciples, as I entered this massive church. The choir and the nave were magnificent, and the altar certainly a sight to behold. A large cross, the symbol of our faith stood in the chancel. Upon my exit I was able to light a candle and offer a prayer of thanksgiving for those persons who are dear to me.
After hundreds of years, this temple made by hands has been destroyed. As I watched the video that streamed across the world of this cathedral burning, my heart sank. Oh, we have been reassured by politicians and business men that it will indeed be restored, but to what end and for what purpose? I am sure there is a sense of the need to restore Notre Dame for its historical nature. Hundreds of thousands of tourists visited Notre Dame each year. Some who were interviewed by news agencies said Paris would not be the same without it. But I can’t help but remember, Jesus teaches us to put our trust in God, not in things of this world.
As we stand in the midst of the Easter season, we remember that God indeed raised up Jesus on the third day. The temple of Christ’s body, which was once beaten, crucified and thus destroyed, has been raised physically, wholly, and perfectly by the hand of God. Through Jesus’s death and resurrection, sin, death and the grave have lost their power over those who confess that Christ is indeed Lord and Savior. Because of this, we too, after our skin has thus been destroyed (Job 19), will be raised up.
Friends, whether it is the Cathedral of Notre Dame, or the three historically black churches in Alabama intentionally set ablaze, such destruction breaks the hearts of many. Surely, we love our churches, the buildings, the grounds and the memories that come with them. But we must always remember, the Church is not the building. The Church is made up of sinners redeemed through the blood of Christ Jesus. Bricks and mortar can be rebuilt. What is most important is that, as they are, it is for the purposes of worshiping the one true God who has saved his people and will raise them up on the last day.
To God be the glory, now and forever.
Pastor David Nuottila
