15. As the Lord hath commanded. The idea that nothing must hinder the work of God, that circumstances must not interrupt the sanctuary ritual, became deeply rooted in the mind of the priesthood as the years went by. It came to an extreme test in the final capture and destruction of the Temple under the Romans, 70. It was the time of the evening sacrifice. Jerusalem had already been taken, but the Temple still stood. Solemnly and unperturbedly the priests carried out the ritual as the Romans scaled the walls and entered the Temple precincts. The buildings were set on fire, and flames were all about. But with slowly measured steps the priests continued their work, not even looking about. Nothing must interfere with the work of God.
Royalty learns the same lesson. A bomb may explode near the royal carriage, but the king is not supposed to notice it. He must retain his composure and permit nothing to ruffle him. The parade must go on, and there must be no looking back.
Jesus’ answer to certain would-be disciples who chose to make personal matters first may appear hard and unfeeling (see Luke 9:59-62). Few duties are considered more urgent than that of caring for one’s parents. Yet even these—and they may be called sacred duties—must not stand in the way of doing the work of God. The work must go on.