Saturday, September 26, 2009

Glory And Peace

Focus verses: Haggai: 2:1-9

The temple building project cannot be completed in a few days or even a few months. During the reconstruction, the Lord sends Haggai and Zechariah with encouraging messages to keep the work going. Some projects simply require more dedication, determination and effort than others.

In this passage, God reassures the children of Israel that the glory of this temple will surpass the glory of Solomon's temple. That seems counter-intuitive because this temple is smaller in size and will have less ornamentation than the former temple.

Perhaps glory is not a quality that is measured by size and ornament. Perhaps glory is a facet of essence. You see, Jesus himself will walk the halls of this temple. He will teach here. He will drive the money changers out.

"And in this place I will grant peace," declares the Lord Almighty.

Peace is much sought after in all times and seasons. There seems to be precious little of it in our nations today. And yet the greeting in Hebrew is shalom - peace. Our western custom of shaking hands is sprung from the offering to another of a sword hand that is empty of weapon - symbolic of peace.

We have no temple. This second temple has been destroyed as well. But each of us has a personal temple. We have been told that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. We have been bought by the blood of Christ and belong to Him, not to ourselves. He has sent the Holy Spirit to indwell with us.

Let us consider ourselves as the temple of the Holy Spirit. Let us look for God's glory in our lives. Let us rejoice in His peace, which will bless our spirits that we might continue our work for Him.

Father, God,

Help us to see things on a spiritual plane, not just in physical earthly terms. Grant us the vision to see Your work as on-going and us as Your masons, building temple for You brick by brick.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

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