Holy Cement, Pod, and Edifice?

Last week, St. Elijah's monastery in Iraq was destroyed by ISIS.  It was the oldest Christian monastery in Iraq.  It was about 1400 years old.  At first, I was outraged. "Another terrorist act by ISIS!!"  Then I was saddened by the loss of an ancient piece of archictecture. But my final emotion was laughter.  ISIS' hatred of Christianity led them to destroy a building.  A building.  Those of us who are true believers and followers of Christ know that He does not reside in a building but in our hearts.  ISIS is so uninformed.  Do they really believe that destroying an ancient artifact is the same as destroying the faith?  I would be saddened if there were people inside at the time.  If I was the government of Iraq I would be very angered.  Not only did they destroy a historical national treasure, but they also destroyed a tourist attraction which eliminates money from their coffers. ISIS may be shooting themselves in the feet.

Our local pastors have often said that the church is not the building.  It is the people.  How true this is!  Christ does not inhabit empty warehouses nor does He inhabit Notre Dame cathedral in France, when no one is there.  What he has said is in Matt 18:18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.”

The 2 or more are people not buildings and they could be found under the viaduct gathered around a barrel burning trash and singing His praise.  The building is a convenience.  Praise and thank God for some of the nicer conveniences, but they do not imply holiness. This is a critical truth that too many people, both non-believers and believers, have missed.  It can be expanded to artifacts as well.  The Shroud of Turin, an ornamental cross, etc.  These do not contain spirit of Christ nor His power.  If you do not believe me, check His word.  Seek for yourself.  I personally believe that the Ark of the Covenant will never be found.  There is a new covenant and the gilded box will only detract from the author of the covenant.

So go ahead, burn a few crosses, destroy a few buildings (empty please), shout in the streets profanities against Christians.  It means nothing.  Believers, don't get angry but get on your knees.  These people claim to hate you but who they truly hate is God.  As did many of you. As did I.  Your neighbor, may very well be a black robed terrorist with a sword against your neck, or some shouting fool with C4 wrapped around himself/herself.  They may even be the leader for whom you have given your vote of confidence.  We still obey the 2 greatest commandments. Amen?

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