Restoration of the Temple

​I am currently reading from the book of Ezra and the story of God’s people rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Ezra 1:1 through 6:22. 

In this story, King Cyrus of Persia declares that the temple of the Lord was going to be rebuilt. God’s people heard this call and went to work. While building, God’s people were finding that not only was the physical temple being restored but their spiritual temple inside of them as well.


Rebuilding the temple has many significant meanings to the lives of God’s people in Biblical times as well as in our lives today. 

Working on the temple in Biblical times gave the people something to believe in. Today, more than ever, we need to have the same thing; some bit of hope to hang on to. If you’ve fallen away from God, you can easily reestablish your relationship with him by confessing your sins or committing to a prayer life. Nothing life altering, just a few stolen moments each day chatting with our Lord; just talk to him like you would a friend. If you’ve been away from God for a long time it’s okay; it’s never too late to get to know him again.

Another way to get closer to God is to seek out mission work. This can be done in another country or right here in the U.S. I used to go on short term mission trips and the joy that I felt after helping someone in need brought me an indescribable sense of joy. 

In the New Testament Jesus describes his body as “the new temple”. Jesus’ body replaces the physical building; Jesus then fills us with the Holy Spirit which is a gift from God.  John 2:19 says, “Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple and in three days I will raise it up again.” Destroying Jesus’ physical temple (his body) meant that there would be a new spiritual meeting place for God and man. 1 Corinthians 3:16, “Do you no know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you.”

By rebuilding the temple and rebuilding our faith in God, we can transform our relationship with him to something phenomenal. Search out God, look to rebuild your relationship with him and be forever changed.

Dear God, we seek you, we worship you, we rebuild our faith in you so we can renew our Christian lives. Amen 


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