Everything Passing Away

“The heavens and the earth will pass away, but My words will not pass.” —Luke 21:33

If one goes to Rome, it is not unusual when walking on the sidewalk to see an ancient column coming out of the pavement. Our guide told us that many a building project had to be stopped because they found ancient ruins in the proposed site. One of the important tourist attractions in the city is the Roman Forum or the Foro Romano. It is now all in ruins except for some impressive columns still standing or tumbled to the ground. It’s hard to imagine that for many centuries, the fate of Europe was decided on this very spot. It was the political, religious and commercial hub for more than a thousand years, with grand and impressive government buildings, temples, and market halls. The area was uncovered underneath 15 meters of dirt and rubble in the 18th and 19th century excavations after being used as a cow pasture! 

I’ve never been to New York, but one of the sites one never missed when going there before was the Twin Towers in Lower Manhattan. 1 World Trade Center and 2 World Trade Center were the tallest buildings in the world when they were completed in 1973. It symbolized the power of America. What remains of this imposing structure now after the unthinkable happened on September 11, 2001? After the attacks, even scenes featuring the iconic buildings were deleted from some movies and TV shows! 

Do we live our life as if we will live forever? What are we investing more of our time, effort and treasure in? Even the most powerful men and women, the richest, the most influential or popular, will one day disappear from the face of the earth. They will only live on in what they have done or failed to do for their fellow men. Let us ponder what we will be remembered as, by our families and friends, co-employees, school mates, and neighbors. Have we lived by what Jesus taught on the sermon on the mount? We will be judged by God’s words which, unlike stone and steel, will not pass away.