January 26 - Construction Begins on the Eiffel Tower
Building the Unseen: Eternal Perspectives from Monumental Endeavors
This is the day construction began on the Eiffel Tower in 1887.
In today's devotional, we will explore the notion of constructing something eternal in our lives, just as the groundbreaking for the Eiffel Tower laid the foundation for an iconic monument. How are you building your spiritual legacy? What are the eternal elements in your life's construction?
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." - 2 Corinthians 4:18 (NIV)
This Date in History
On January 26, 1887, the city of Paris bore witness to the groundbreaking of what would become one of the most iconic structures globally—the Eiffel Tower. Envisioned initially as a temporary installment for the 1889 Exposition Universelle, a world's fair marking the centennial celebration of the French Revolution, the Eiffel Tower was a project that stirred immense public debate and critical scrutiny.
Gustave Eiffel, the mastermind behind this engineering marvel, was already a seasoned civil engineer with an impressive portfolio that included the framework of the Statue of Liberty. Yet, even he had to endure a torrent of criticism from Parisian elites, who derisively referred to the impending structure as "Eiffel's folly" and a potential "iron monstrosity." In fact, artists like Charles Gounod and writers like Guy de Maupassant were among the 300 signatories of a protest letter against the tower's construction.
The construction itself was a feat of engineering prowess. Designed by two senior engineers working for the Eiffel Company—Maurice Koechlin and Émile Nouguier—the project was initially sketched out by Koechlin on a sheet of paper. It was later refined and embellished by architect Stephen Sauvestre, who added the decorative arches and the glass pavilion at the top. A total of 18,038 individual iron pieces, held together by more than 2.5 million rivets, were used in the tower's construction.
During the construction phase, safety measures were meticulously enforced, a rarity for the period. Gustave Eiffel was so committed to the well-being of his workers that only one man lost his life during the entire project—a remarkably low number for a construction endeavor of such magnitude in those times.
Once completed, the Eiffel Tower stood at a height of 324 meters, approximately the same height as an 81-story building, making it the tallest man-made structure at the time. Contrary to its initial reception, the Eiffel Tower quickly gained public admiration. Its completion revolutionized the field of civil engineering and introduced new possibilities for what could be achieved in architecture and construction. It also became a vital communication hub during World War I, intercepting enemy messages and serving as a wireless telegraph transmitter.
Over the years, the Eiffel Tower has undergone several renovations, including the installation of solar panels and wind turbines, to adapt to modern needs. Today, it attracts nearly 7 million visitors each year, serving as a potent symbol of human ingenuity and a testament to what can be accomplished when people dare to dream big.
Historical Context
The late 19th century was a time of rapid industrialization and burgeoning nationalism in Europe. With the second industrial revolution in full swing, new technologies like steel production, electrical engineering, and advances in architecture were reshaping the physical and cultural landscapes of the continent. France, having recently been defeated in the Franco-Prussian War of 1870-1871, was in a phase of national soul-searching. The construction of the Eiffel Tower came at a time when France wanted desperately to regain its standing as a cultural and technological leader in the world, seeking to uplift the national spirit.
The Exposition Universelle of 1889 was planned not just as a centennial celebration of the French Revolution but also as an assertion of France’s enduring cultural and scientific prowess. Nations worldwide were engaged in similar exhibitions to showcase their innovations and achievements. The Crystal Palace in London had awed the world in 1851, and France sought to surpass it, making a statement that would reverberate globally. In this context, the audacity of constructing something as unprecedented as the Eiffel Tower was not just an engineering challenge; it was a national imperative.
Moreover, the debate surrounding the Eiffel Tower's construction reflected broader tensions within French society. The Parisian intelligentsia who opposed the tower were not just critiquing its aesthetic value; they were indirectly questioning the increasing dominance of industry and technology over traditional art and culture. It was a battle between old and new, a reflection of the anxieties of an era in flux, torn between past glories and future possibilities.
The tower's completion and subsequent public acceptance also mirrored a shift in societal values. The world was stepping into an age that revered technological prowess and human ingenuity as paramount virtues. The tower stood as an embodiment of this transformation, signaling the birth of a new era where the boundaries of what could be achieved were being redrawn by human ambition and mechanical progress.
Did You Know?
While the Eiffel Tower is synonymous with Paris today, it was originally intended to be dismantled after 20 years. The structure was saved primarily due to its utility as a radio transmission tower. This "temporary" construction has not only endured but has become one of the most iconic monuments globally, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Learn More
"Gustave Eiffel: The Man Behind the Masterpiece" by Jill Jonnes
"Eiffel's Tower: The Thrilling Story Behind Paris's Beloved Monument and the Extraordinary World's Fair That Introduced It" by Jill Jonnes
"The Story of the Eiffel Tower: An Uplifting Tale of Human Endeavor and Ingenious Design" by Elizabeth MacLeod
"Paris 1889: American Artists at the Universal Exposition" by Annette Blaugrund
Today’s Reflection
The construction of the Eiffel Tower, a marvel of engineering that broke ground on this day in 1887, offers a tangible representation of what can be built when vision, dedication, and planning coalesce. However, let us consider an even more critical form of construction, the one directed by 2 Corinthians 4:18: "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."
From an architectural standpoint, the Eiffel Tower's durability and longevity were not guaranteed; its fate was once tied to temporary exhibitions and radio transmissions. In contrast, what we build in our spiritual lives is guided by the permanence of divine plans. We're not just building for the moment; we're building for eternity. We're investing in prayer, deepening our understanding of the Scriptures, extending grace and love, and developing characters that reflect the very nature of Christ. These are the girders and beams of a spiritual edifice whose architect and builder is God.
Francis Chan, in his book "Crazy Love," reminds us of the dangers of lukewarm living, of a faith that's built like a house of cards—precarious and transient. This form of faith is often constructed with worldly materials: temporary satisfactions, momentary achievements, and the shaky ground of human approval. A strong wind of life's hardships can easily knock it over. But what if we could fortify our spiritual lives as Gustave Eiffel did his tower—with materials meant to withstand the tests of time? The answer lies in a personal, intimate relationship with Christ, the cornerstone of our faith.
As we reflect on today's event, let us also question the materials we are using to build our spiritual legacy. Are they as temporary as the initial purpose of the Eiffel Tower or as eternal as the Gospel message? How can we construct our lives to reflect what's truly significant? We can start by aligning our values with God's Word, being mindful that the only true legacy is one that honors God and furthers His Kingdom.
The importance of building with an eternal perspective should never be underestimated. When constructing buildings, engineers consider the impact of time, elements, and usage, planning accordingly to ensure lasting endurance. As believers, we must apply a similar level of intentionality and forethought into our spiritual edifice, always acknowledging that it's not our will but God's that provides the blueprint for a legacy of eternal significance.
The Eiffel Tower, a symbol of France's ingenuity, can also be a metaphor for the Christian life. For just as the Eiffel Tower was ultimately repurposed for a lasting utility far beyond its original intent, so too can our lives find eternal purpose when we construct them on the cornerstone of Christ. May we, therefore, build not just for today but for an eternity with Him.
Practical Application
Take a sheet of paper and divide it into two columns. Label one column "Temporal" and the other "Eternal." Under "Temporal," jot down aspects of your life that are fleeting or shallow. Under "Eternal," list those elements that carry eternal weight according to Scripture, like cultivating love, exercising patience, or understanding God's Word. Commit to investing more energy and time into the items listed under "Eternal" this week.
Deeper Dive
For a more nuanced understanding of building with eternal perspective, delve into the story of Solomon's construction of the Temple in 1 Kings 6. Solomon's meticulous attention to detail and unyielding devotion serve as a splendid example of how to approach our spiritual lives. The Temple was not only a physical edifice but also a representation of Israel's covenantal relationship with God. The grandeur and sanctity of the Temple offer profound insights into how we, too, should consider the eternal aspects of our spiritual walk.
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us fix our eyes on the eternal and not the temporal. Grant us the wisdom to discern what truly matters and the courage to live in a manner pleasing to You. May our lives serve as living temples that glorify Your eternal majesty. Amen.
Supplementary Study
"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."
These verses remind us to focus on accumulating treasures that have eternal value, which aligns seamlessly with today's emphasis on building a lasting spiritual legacy.
"Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Colossians calls us to orient our thoughts and actions toward what is heavenly, underscoring the need for an eternal perspective in our daily lives.
"For, 'All people are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall.'"
This verse vividly portrays the fleeting nature of earthly glories, urging us to invest in what is eternal.
Final Thoughts
The blueprint for our lives should be drafted with ink that never fades and on a canvas that extends beyond the here and now. As intentional builders, we're called to construct not just for our lifetime but for eternity. May we take inspiration from the Master Architect, ensuring that each element we add to our lives has enduring value and serves a purpose that transcends the temporal.
Community Engagement
I love hearing from readers each day. Don’t worry, this isn’t a test—I promise! Feel free to drop a line or two in the comments below. You can answer one of the following questions, share your own reflections, pose a new question, or simply say hello. I can’t wait to hear from you!
What were your first impressions when you learned that the Eiffel Tower was initially meant to be a temporary structure?
How do you differentiate between what is temporal and what is eternal in your daily life?
What practical steps can you take this week to invest in the eternal aspects of your life?
How does the concept of eternity influence your understanding of morality and ethics?
In tomorrow's devotional, we'll grapple with the tension between a nation's lofty Christian ideals and the heart-wrenching tragedies it has perpetrated. Can a country truly be Christian when its actions cast a long shadow over its professed faith? Prepare to delve deep into a critical moment in American history that challenges us to rethink what it means to be a "Christian nation."