One of the enduring memories of my trip to Israel was the tremendous building empire that was established by Herod the Great.  A little history lesson.  Herod the Great was announced as ruler over Judea by the Romans in 30 BC.  The Romans actually called him “King of the Jews.”

Although Herod had Jewish blood, the Israelites did not like him or embrace him.  Yet he built lavish palaces and structures partially to win favor with the people, but most to ingratiate himself to Rome.  One of the main places that he built is called Caesarea and it is a Roman city built right on the coast of the Mediterranean.  It was a city built in tribute to the ruling Caesar of the day.

Harbor at Caesarea
Roman style aqueducts

In my visit to Israel, I was wowed by three ancient structures that Herod built.  I saw the fortress winter hideaway called Masada.  I saw the gorgeous coastal city called Caesarea.  And although it no longer exists, I saw remains of the Second Temple in Jerusalem that was the biggest worship center the Israelites had ever enjoyed.  Everything Herod did was on a grand scale!

My friend, Kevin, with model of Herod’s palace at Masada

View from Masada

It became utterly apparent that Herod wished to live on through his buildings.  The man built structures that seemed to defy nature.  For instance at Masada, his palace was literally built hanging on the side of the mountain.  And at Caesarea, he built his palace jutting out into the ocean.  Both were major building feats for the day.  And everything he did yelled “opulence.”  His store houses were full of food and wine.  I’m sure he threw parties to match his renown.

But today, his palaces lie in ruins.  The harsh realities of time came crashing down upon the brick and mortar of his legacy.  I guess he somewhat “won” since we are still talking about him.  But the buildings and stones fade with each passing year.  Nothing can slow this decaying onslaught.

Remains of Herod’s Palace at Caesarea

It seems to me that many people wish to establish something enduring.  There is a fire in the belly to build something that will endure.  Or to establish something that will carry their name past the 70 years of their existence.  As examples, people build trusts.  They hope that their money will keep working on their behalf past their life.  Or people build companies that they hope will carry their ideals.  The late Steve Jobs and his obsession with building Apple stands out as a prime example.

And let’s not look past buildings that are still erected today in people’s memory.  It is not uncommon for the wing of a hospital or new building on a campus to have the name of a person engraved upon it.  The hope is that the building will help the memory of a person endure.

Back to Herod and the fantastic buildings of antiquity; the glory is fading!  This is an ancient story.  The people built the Tower of Babel to “make a name for ourselves” (Genesis 11:4).  But this was never the way to do it.  It is so ironic that just one chapter later, God promises this lowly man that almost nobody knew, “I will make your name great” (Genesis 12:2).  This man of course was Abraham, the father of the Hebrew nation.

An enduring legacy.  An enduring name.  An enduring accomplishment.  It is all fleeting when untethered from an enduring God.  The Psalmist properly reminds us, “Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain” (Psalm 127:1).

Hear Phil talk about a comparison of two kings.