My family and I spent the end of September 2019 hiking through the Colorado wilderness, traversing through well beaten dirt and rock paths, and enjoying a splurge breakfast at the Durango Diner in Durango, CO. Most of our vacation this fall has been in God’s creation. It’s really the reason why we love to come up to this area of the country. It’s truly remarkable…especially when you catch the color change of the aspen leaves (we missed it by a week this year).
However, this year was a little different. We decided to walk down paths most people in my family had never walked. It was a path–that unless you really knew what you were looking for–you wouldn’t even know existed. For, tucked secretly away in a deep alcove was a fascinating ancient palace waiting for our exploration. To say it was breathtaking only begins to describe what stood before our eyes.
This ancient cliff dwelling is part of a larger ancient civilization that is connected to the area commonly known as Mesa Verde.
What’s fascinating about this particular site is that when you get inside, you immediately experience the genius of these ancient people’s design, choice of material, proximity to natural resources, and the harnessing of the earth’s insulating properties.
But, what’s even more fascinating, and all together telling:
- No one lives here.
- Sure, people still visit and practice their religious ceremonies (so we were told), but no one lives here.
- As incredible as the architecture is…as amazing as the utilization of natural resources are…it remains unoccupied.
What can we learn from the Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde?
- Here, we have no continuing city…
- “For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” –Hebrews 13:14
- Therefore, we are reminded that this momentary life is not the ultimate life…these possessions (as wonderful as they are and can be) are not the ultimate possessions.
- Instead, we, like Abraham of old–as aliens and pilgrims–set our minds and hearts on another city–whose architect and builder is God…
- “By faith he [Abraham] lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.” –Hebrews 11:9-10
- Therefore, we are reminded that–as people of faith–we are promised a city that will never fail…will never decay…will never become unoccupied.
And so, after a minor exploration of this incredible Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde, I’m reminded that–as a follower of Christ–I’m part of a kingdom that will never fail.
Until then, I don’t make ultimate the things that are not ultimate, but instead enjoy them while I can…and bring others to the table of God’s dear Son…ever waiting for the fulfillment…the greater delight…the fellowship with the people of God, and the Savior, Jesus Christ.
Join me in building up a kingdom that will last…forever!
— September 26, 2019