Visiting the Ruins!

A week ago, Kim and I got back from our dream vacation to Greece. We began in Athens and then went to three of the Greek islands.  It was an incredible trip filled with all kinds of adventure, incredible scenery, beautiful waters, and lots of history.

Part of our itinerary was visiting some of the archeological ruins of civilizations of the past.  After all, what would a trip to Greece be without visiting the Acropolis and standing before the Parthenon? Incredibly, throughout Athens and the islands one can see ruins and artifacts that date back, not just hundreds of years, but thousands of years. 

On the island of Crete, we visited one of the oldest ruins of all, the Minoan Temple/Palace (it was both).  Its origins begin around 1950 BC.  That would have been just after the time of Abraham!  An earthquake destroyed the original temple, and even more magnificent one was built around 1750 BC (during the time that the Israelites were in bondage in Egypt).  It finally came to ruins in about 1300 BC (which would have been during the time of the Old Testament book of Judges).  The Minoans are considered to be one of the oldest, if not the oldest, known civilizations in Europe—a thriving and truly sophisticated people. (They even had toilets and bathtubs with running water for the queen.)    

A part of the ruins of the Minoan Temple

However, in spite of all their sophistication, labor, and incredible effort, for centuries the remnants of this awesome Minoan Temple laid in ruins beneath the surface of the earth, not rediscovered until 1878 AD. Today we only get bits and pieces of what once was a piece of man’s glory. And such is the case throughout Greece—and throughout the world.  Even the most glorious of man’s constructions eventually come to ruins, sometimes to be unearthed by a future generation, sometimes forgotten forever.  It can seem almost sad. But most of all, I find it to be quite sobering.

It’s no wonder Jesus said, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. (Matthew 6:19-20 – NIV)  If we invest ourselves only in the things of this life—i.e. that which we can attain and build and store up—we may be left with nothing but ruins.  But, if we will invest our lives into that which is part of God’s kingdom, Jesus says, we will end up with an eternal treasure. 

Jesus then goes on to say, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (vs. 21)  I want to encourage you today to set your heart on that which is eternal. The best of what we have here in this life is but temporary. But if we will make God’s kingdom, and all that is part of his kingdom, our real treasure we will not end up with ruins but with that which will last forever. 

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris