The Adornment of the Temple - Luke 21:5

Luke the beloved physician shared how Jesus “looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites. And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow has cast in more than they all. For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury has cast in all the living that she had”, and in chapter twenty-one and verse five of his book Luke shared how “some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned” where we read:

And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,

The verse reads, “And as some spoke of the temple, ...” Luke began with the words, “and as some spoke” or “and while and during the time a few of Jesus' disciples made utterances, declarations and proclamations” “of the temple” which means “about the sacred worship place located in Jerusalem”. Luke shared that during a time when a few of Jesus' disciples were making comments about the “temple” in Jerusalem they included the following.

The verse goes on to say, “... how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts, he said,” Luke continued with the words, “how it was adorned” or “the manner in which the temple was put in order, arranged, made ready, prepared, embellished and honored” “with goodly stones” which means “with beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing and precious building stones” “and gifts” or “and consecrated offerings”, “he said” which means “Jesus uttered, declared and proclaimed” the words in our next verse. Luke shared when Jesus' disciples commented on the “beautiful and precious” building stones as well as the “offerings” which were included in the temple, Jesus proclaimed the words in our next verse.

When we meditate upon Luke's words in this verse, we learn how the disciples of Jesus were enamored with the “adornment” of the temple in Jerusalem. The outside of the temple was built with magnificent stones that were “beautified” with “offerings and presents” which were hung on them. Most people who saw the “temple” were amazed with the massive stones which were used and the glory of the building itself, however, Jesus will say something important about the “temple” in our next verse. For now, let us understand there would be no “temple” or need for a “temple” if it were not for God. He gave people the resources, wisdom and ability for the structures of the world to be built. His design was for people to have a relationship with Him through His Son Jesus that would allow their “gifts” to be a part of His church. God loves people and He provides “great adornments” in their lives so others may give glory to Him. Let all who read these words yield their lives to the only One who gives abilities that cause others to be in awe at what He builds.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus says, “the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".