God's Temple

SCRIPTURE



Zechariah 6:9-15 (NRSV)

Far and near led to build the temple

The word of the Lord came to me: Collect silver and gold from the exiles - from Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah - who have arrived from Babylon; and go the same day to the house of Josiah son of Zephaniah. Take the silver and gold and make a crown, and set it on the head of the high priest Joshua son of Jehozadak; say to him: Thus says the Lord of hosts: Here is a man whose name is Branch: for he shall branch out in his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord. It is he that shall build the temple of the Lord; he shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne. There shall be a priest by his throne, with peaceful understanding between the two of them. And the crown shall be in the care of Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and Josiah son of Zephaniah, as a memorial in the temple of the Lord.

Those who are far off shall come and help to build the temple of the Lord; and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. This will happen if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.


DEVOTION

Isn’t it wonderful to see what honor is afforded the one who was selected to build the temple of the Lord? It is clear that God has a sweet spot for people who are willing to undertake the difficult task of helping to build a worship space for God.

Now, in this day and age, this scripture could be applied to pastors, priests and/or laypeople who receive a vision from the Lord and lead their congregation in a successful building campaign. A new building, more classrooms, and a larger worship space represent more opportunities for ministry to the community in which the church serves.

It is important to remember that it is the ministry to God’s people which is most important. If we want a larger kitchen space, it is so that we can feed more hungry people. If we want a larger sanctuary, it’s so that we can invite more of our non-Christian to worship. If we want more classroom space it is so that we can tutor neighborhood children or run NA or AA meetings.

The building is a physical representation of ministry opportunities and that is exciting! But, there is something even more exciting than the buildings in which we worship on Sunday morning.

1 Cor 3:16 states, “Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?

Hallelujah!

When we became Christians the Holy Spirit of God took up residence inside of us! Spirit makes us alive to the things of God and acts as a intercessor, counselor, advocate, comforter, teacher and friend! Spirit leads us to be “temples” full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faith, and self control. Spirit empowers and equips us to be bearers of the good news message that Jesus saves and He saves to the utmost!

When we have the Spirit of God living within us, we become eternal temples which can never be destroyed. The roof does not leak, the carpet does not need cleaning, the kitchen does not need to be updated, and the sound system does not need to be replaced.

No, no! For we know that God loves us so much that God gave Jesus to die on the cross to save us from our sin and gift us with eternal life.

When our earthly tabernacles fade away, our souls will take flight to be with Jesus forevermore! Aren’t you happy-glad for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit which makes us eternal “temples” of the Living of God?


Will you commit to care for and build up God's temple today?

If so, please pray with me:

Holy God, thank you for the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the greatest honor of my life that Spirit chooses to live inside of me! Please forgive me of all of my sin and give me a fresh anointing of Spirit so that I can share good news and be good news for everyone that I meet! I pray this in Jesus’ Name, Amen.



THE INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, "Come to Jesus."

http://aintathatgoodnews.blogspot.com/2009/03/come-to-jesus.html