October 25, 2004

THE BUILDER OF THE TEMPLE

"Behold, the Man whose name is the BRANCH!... And He shall build the temple of the Lord" (Zechariah 6:12, NKJV).

Under the capable leadership of Zerubbabel, the remnant that returned from Babylonian captivity rebuilt the temple of Jerusalem. The temple, however, was far less elaborate and much less lavishly decorated than Solomon's splendid temple (see Ezra 3:12). As an encouragement to God's people, Zechariah predicted that a far more magnificent temple would ultimately be built by a builder superior to all previous builders. This messianic prediction pointed to Jesus, the architect and builder of a magnificent temple that would outshine and outlast the temple of Zerubbabel (see Ezra 6:14, 15).

This great temple is not made of perishable materials such as wood, stone, or steel, but of "living stones" (1 Peter 2:5, NKJV) cut out from the quarries of humanity and polished to excellence by the work of the Spirit of God. These living stones are men and women from every walk of life who have been redeemed and transformed by the power of the gospel.

This spiritual temple of the redeemed will remain throughout eternity as a perpetual reminder to all the universe of God's redemptive workmanship. When completed, it will be the masterpiece of the ages, a living monument to the honor and glory of Jesus, the sublime builder. Ellen G. White makes this beautiful observation about the great builder and the temple He is building: "They are living stones, quarried out from the world by the truth; and the great Master Builder, the Lord of the temple, is now hewing and polishing them, and fitting them for their respective places in the spiritual temple. When completed, this temple will be perfect in all its parts, the admiration of angels and of men."--Our High Calling, p. 165.

My Prayer Today: Lord, as the sublime builder, make me a living stone in Your temple. Amen.