In our spiritual journey, we often have times where we feel stagnant, delayed, disappointed or downright defeated. But what if these moments are actually opportunities for revival and growth?
The story of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile offers great insights into our own spiritual renewal. Imagine a group of exiles, finally returning home after 70 years, tasked with rebuilding the sacred temple that once stood as the center of their faith and life. Led by Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest, they begin with enthusiasm, laying the foundation. But soon, opposition arises. Neighboring people (primarily the Samaritans) write letters to the king, questioning their authority. Work halts. For some 16 years, with the foundation laid - the temple lies unfinished.
This ancient story tells the story of our own spiritual lives today, and the condition of the Kingdom. We start with zeal, laying the foundation of our faith. But then, obstacles appear. The accuser – satan – stands ready to point out our flaws and shortcomings. The world around us questions our motives and authority. We become distracted, delayed, worn down. Our spiritual temple lies in disrepair. But here's where the story takes a powerful turn.
God is speaking to us today through the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, delivering a message of encouragement and empowerment. For Joshua, He says: "Take away the filthy garments from him... See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes." (Zechariah 3:4)
This is a beautiful picture of what Christ does for us. He removes our filthy garments of sin and clothes us in His righteousness. We are cleansed, given peace with God. But there's more. For Zerubbabel, God declares: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord of hosts.
Also - "Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!" (Zechariah 4:6-7) Here we see the guarantee of power – not human strength, but the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
The obstacles that look like mountains will become level ground before us when we rely on God's power. This dual promise of peace and power is at the heart of our spiritual revival. We have the peace of Christ, reconciling us to God. And we have the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to overcome obstacles and continue building.
But what exactly are we building? The apostle Peter gives us a profound insight: "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5) Our bodies – our very lives – are now the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are living stones and part of an even greater spiritual house that God is constructing and Christ – the Cornerstone – holding us all together! This should shift our understanding of God’s plan for our lives from a physical building to a spiritual reality. The work of temple-building is ongoing, taking place within our hearts and in the community of believers. However, like the returned exiles, we can become distracted, discouraged - disappointed, and even despair from this necessary work.
The prophet Haggai's words ring true today: "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple (the one within) to lie in ruins?" (Haggai 1:4)
How often do we prioritize our own comfort and success while neglecting our spiritual growth and the building up of others? Haggai's message is a wake-up call, reminding us to consider our ways and refocus on what really matters. The good news is that it's never too late to begin again – to resume construction. When the people heeded the prophets' words, "the Lord – by His Holy Spirit stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel... and the spirit of Joshua... and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God." (Haggai 1:14)
God is ready to stir our spirits too (by the power of the Holy spirit within), empowering us to continue building. But how do we apply this ancient story to our lives today?
1. Recognize there is a Temple Within: Understand that your body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit. This gives new significance to how you care for yourself spiritually, mentally, and physically.
2. Remove the Filthy Garments: Allow Christ to cleanse you from sin and clothe you in His righteousness. Embrace the peace that comes from being reconciled to God. (1 John 1:9)
3. Rely on the Spirit's Power: Face obstacles not in your own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. What seems impossible becomes possible with God.
4. Refocus on the Building Project: Evaluate priorities. Are you neglecting your spiritual growth or the building up of others? It's time to get back to work on God's house.
5. You're Part of Something Bigger: You are a living stone in God's greater spiritual house. Your growth and faithfulness matter not just for you, but for the entire body of believers. (perhaps even someone you’ve yet to meet).
6. Resist the Accuser: When Satan tries to discourage you with accusations, remember that you stand clothed in Christ's righteousness. You have authority in Christ to rebuke the enemy.
7. Remain Persistent: Like Zerubbabel and Joshua, don't give up when facing opposition or delays. Keep building, even when progress seems slow.
The rebuilding of the temple is a continuous process in our lives. It's not about achieving perfection, but about persistent growth and reliance on God's peace and power. Every small act of faith, every choice to prioritize spiritual growth, is part of the building process. As you go about your week, consider: What part of your spiritual temple needs attention? Where have you allowed construction to stall? How can you tap into God's peace and power to resume building? Remember, you don't build alone.
The same God who empowered Zerubbabel and Joshua is within you, declaring over every obstacle: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit." Let His peace fill your heart and His power flow through your life as you continue to build His temple.
Amen!
Blessings,
Pastor Bob
The story of rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile offers great insights into our own spiritual renewal. Imagine a group of exiles, finally returning home after 70 years, tasked with rebuilding the sacred temple that once stood as the center of their faith and life. Led by Zerubbabel the governor and Joshua the high priest, they begin with enthusiasm, laying the foundation. But soon, opposition arises. Neighboring people (primarily the Samaritans) write letters to the king, questioning their authority. Work halts. For some 16 years, with the foundation laid - the temple lies unfinished.
This ancient story tells the story of our own spiritual lives today, and the condition of the Kingdom. We start with zeal, laying the foundation of our faith. But then, obstacles appear. The accuser – satan – stands ready to point out our flaws and shortcomings. The world around us questions our motives and authority. We become distracted, delayed, worn down. Our spiritual temple lies in disrepair. But here's where the story takes a powerful turn.
God is speaking to us today through the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, delivering a message of encouragement and empowerment. For Joshua, He says: "Take away the filthy garments from him... See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes." (Zechariah 3:4)
This is a beautiful picture of what Christ does for us. He removes our filthy garments of sin and clothes us in His righteousness. We are cleansed, given peace with God. But there's more. For Zerubbabel, God declares: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit," says the Lord of hosts.
Also - "Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain!" (Zechariah 4:6-7) Here we see the guarantee of power – not human strength, but the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
The obstacles that look like mountains will become level ground before us when we rely on God's power. This dual promise of peace and power is at the heart of our spiritual revival. We have the peace of Christ, reconciling us to God. And we have the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling us to overcome obstacles and continue building.
But what exactly are we building? The apostle Peter gives us a profound insight: "You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 2:5) Our bodies – our very lives – are now the temple of the Holy Spirit. We are living stones and part of an even greater spiritual house that God is constructing and Christ – the Cornerstone – holding us all together! This should shift our understanding of God’s plan for our lives from a physical building to a spiritual reality. The work of temple-building is ongoing, taking place within our hearts and in the community of believers. However, like the returned exiles, we can become distracted, discouraged - disappointed, and even despair from this necessary work.
The prophet Haggai's words ring true today: "Is it time for you yourselves to dwell in your paneled houses, and this temple (the one within) to lie in ruins?" (Haggai 1:4)
How often do we prioritize our own comfort and success while neglecting our spiritual growth and the building up of others? Haggai's message is a wake-up call, reminding us to consider our ways and refocus on what really matters. The good news is that it's never too late to begin again – to resume construction. When the people heeded the prophets' words, "the Lord – by His Holy Spirit stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel... and the spirit of Joshua... and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the Lord of hosts, their God." (Haggai 1:14)
God is ready to stir our spirits too (by the power of the Holy spirit within), empowering us to continue building. But how do we apply this ancient story to our lives today?
1. Recognize there is a Temple Within: Understand that your body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit. This gives new significance to how you care for yourself spiritually, mentally, and physically.
2. Remove the Filthy Garments: Allow Christ to cleanse you from sin and clothe you in His righteousness. Embrace the peace that comes from being reconciled to God. (1 John 1:9)
3. Rely on the Spirit's Power: Face obstacles not in your own strength, but through the power of the Holy Spirit dwelling in you. What seems impossible becomes possible with God.
4. Refocus on the Building Project: Evaluate priorities. Are you neglecting your spiritual growth or the building up of others? It's time to get back to work on God's house.
5. You're Part of Something Bigger: You are a living stone in God's greater spiritual house. Your growth and faithfulness matter not just for you, but for the entire body of believers. (perhaps even someone you’ve yet to meet).
6. Resist the Accuser: When Satan tries to discourage you with accusations, remember that you stand clothed in Christ's righteousness. You have authority in Christ to rebuke the enemy.
7. Remain Persistent: Like Zerubbabel and Joshua, don't give up when facing opposition or delays. Keep building, even when progress seems slow.
The rebuilding of the temple is a continuous process in our lives. It's not about achieving perfection, but about persistent growth and reliance on God's peace and power. Every small act of faith, every choice to prioritize spiritual growth, is part of the building process. As you go about your week, consider: What part of your spiritual temple needs attention? Where have you allowed construction to stall? How can you tap into God's peace and power to resume building? Remember, you don't build alone.
The same God who empowered Zerubbabel and Joshua is within you, declaring over every obstacle: "Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit." Let His peace fill your heart and His power flow through your life as you continue to build His temple.
Amen!
Blessings,
Pastor Bob
HOPE Blog ... Pastor Bob DeFelice
Sometimes random - sometimes not - some things I think - measured against scripture.
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
"Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
~ 2 Timothy 2:15
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