Many hearts are sad to hear the beautiful Notre Dame cathedral was damaged by fire. It has been a historical work of art for many years and loved by people all over the world. They say 13 million people visit in a year which is roughly 35,000 people a day. This particular cathedral has drawn much attraction for years and so many today grieve its loss. When I heard the news, I pondered it for a moment and said to my husband, Why, should it really matter? Jesus is not coming back for a building made of stone, He is coming back for His bride.
Moments later we both agreed there had to be a deeper message in it for all of us. The next day my heart overflowed with this word…
How much more historical is the life of Jesus Christ who came 2,000 years ago. How much attraction do we have for Him? Isn’t He the reason behind the Notre Dame cathedral and others? How many people who walk through the doors think of Jesus and His splendor as they admire the great architecture and stained-glass windows? I believe it is He that is to be honored and worshipped above everything else. Life is not about the beauty of man-made creations but is in the beauty of the Creator. How much more devastating it is for Jesus to watch His people whom He loves, burn with desire for things of this world and live for themselves and not for Him, as a result they could lose their own soul. In Ephesians it says, Christ loves the church and gave Himself for her to sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, so He might present her to Himself a glorious church without spot of wrinkle, that she should be holy and without blemish. The Lord nourishes and cherishes the church. However, He refers the church to His bride which is you and me and not about a building. We are the church, and He loves us and gave His life for us. We are His bride dressed in His glory and in the beauty of His holiness. We clothe ourselves with fine linen which is righteous deeds. His kingdom within us is more beautiful than any historical cathedral could ever portray. Let us daily clean up the cathedral of our heart and keep washed by the living water of His word. We are in a relationship with Him and it’s not a religion, we are the church and His sanctuary of worship. In this past year I’ve heard of churches go on fire and now the Notre Dame cathedral. But the amazing thing is how God has spared each cross and they still stand and are not damaged. Even in some churches Bibles were not singed, but they were the same before it broke out. I believe this is a message to the world especially at this Easter season we are reminded of His great love for us that He died on the cross to save us and He was resurrected on the third day to give us new life. So, let us take up our cross and follow after Him, not after symbols or structures that are here today and gone tomorrow. We are crucified with Christ and we no longer live but He lives within us. There is nothing we brought into this world and nothing we can take out. All material things on this earth are not eternal they will one day crumble and be no more. Now I’m not saying it is wrong to admire beautiful structures like churches and cathedrals, but it is wrong when we put those things before Him and forget who He is. As we put Him first our souls will live forever with Him as we rise up and burn with a fire of desire for Jesus Christ alone. Let the Holy Spirit fan the flames and prepare us for the soon coming of the Lord.
Jesus testifies in Revelation 22:12 “Behold I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to everyone according to His work. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.”
Verse 17. And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” and let him who hears say, “Come!” and let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
“In an acceptable time, I have heard you and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation. 2Cor. 6:2
Now is the time to listen to the voice of the Lord, time is of the essence, there is no time to waste. My prayer is for many hearts to be touched by this word and be drawn to the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. Love & Blessings, Lollita Faith
Thy Kingdom come Thy will be done on earth Lord, as it is in heaven.Matt.6:10
Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, for where your treasure is, there your heart is also. Matt. 6:19,21…Ephesians 5: 25-29, Rev.19:7,8, Gal.2:20, Is.42:8, John 4:24.
©PassionateHeartLFH
Author June Hodgins 