Time To Rebuild the Temple

I was reading the book of Haggai recently, and I was struck by its call to rebuild the temple, the importance of obedience to God's call, the blessings promised through obedience, and His promises to Zerubbabel. It is a very short book, but it is so rich in Gods glory. As I read, I couldn't help but think that since we, as born-again believers, are now the temple of the Holy Spirit, maybe it is time for us to examine and rebuild our own temple.

Are we spending time with the Lord every day, asking Him to purify us and direct our steps?

What Do You See?

One sentence especially convicted me when the Lord spoke through the prophet Haggai: "Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins?"

What if we took those words personally? What if we honestly examined, as if looking in a mirror, the condition of the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit in our own hearts? If we looked deeply into our spirit and soul, would we see a vessel that reflects His holiness? I can only speak for myself and I can honestly say…I have some work to do. And if we’re being honest, I think we all do. And it is a work we must attend to daily.

Haggai asks questions that still speak to us today:

• Are we planting seeds but harvesting little?

• Are we eating yet never satisfied?

• Are we drinking but still thirsty?

• Are we putting on clothes but never warm?

• Are our wages disappearing as though we have holes in our pockets?

Those questions invite us to stop and examine our lives.

Be Holy, For I Am Holy

For months I’ve been learning about the Tabernacle of Moses (later Temple) and its furnishings. As we remember its splendor, its beauty, and the majestic holiness that surrounded the presence of our Heavenly Father, shouldn't we desire to cultivate that same holiness within ourselves? After all, we are now the dwelling place of the Holy Spirit?

It may sound like a daunting task, but God encourages us not to be afraid because He is always with us. Through their obedience, He promised to shake the heavens and the earth, the seas and the dry land. He said he would shake all nations, the treasures of the nations would come into His Temple, and He would fill the Temple with His glory.

"The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine," declares the Lord. Silver and gold belong to the Lord. He also promised that the future glory would be greater than the former, and that His peace will be brought to this place. What an incredible promise! His glory will increase, and His peace will rest where He dwells.

But first, we must pursue holiness. Sin defiles what we offer to the Lord, and He calls us to come before Him with repentant hearts. Let us make it our daily practice to repent, ask for His purification, and give thanks for His many blessings. God promises that obedience brings blessing.

May we never become so focused on building our own lives that we neglect the temple He now calls home.

A Prayer

Heavenly Father, please purify me daily and help me become a vessel worthy of Your presence. Search my heart, remove anything that dishonors You, and teach me to walk in humble obedience. May my life become a dwelling place where Your glory is welcome and Your peace remains. Amen.

Your sister in Christ,

Amy