How Do You See It

Now?

Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? (Haggai 2:3) After the Exile, God’s People returned to Judah where they rebuilt the temple. Haggai, the prophet, posed two important questions above which members of the church should ask-Haggai 2:3.

Promise

As the people compared Solomon’s Temple with the new, they were disappointed because it was as though they traded their Mercedes for a Corolla. God wanted to comfort them, hence through the prophet he says, be strong and fearless-Haggai 2: 4 5. In a little while He would literally shake up things-Haggai 2:6.

Prince

While the first temple had the presence of God symbolically, the new would have God present personally-Haggai 2:7. Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace Is9:6 is described by Haggai as the Desire of All Nations. He would rebuild the tabernacle according to Amos- Amos 9:11. A close study of the Temple or Tabernacle shows that both refer to the church-Acts 15:16, 1Corinthians 3:16, 6:19.

Place

In comparing both temples, Jesus told the Woman of Samaria that worship would no longer be in Jerusalem or the Mountain of Samaria but in Spirit and in Truth-John 4:20- 24. It is not the place that is now important, but the way we worship. This point was also made by Paul in Athens-Acts 17:24.

Peace

Finally, Haggai points out that the glory of the next temple would be greater because in this place, God would give Peace-Haggai 2:9. According to Paul, Christ is our Peace because he made Jews and Gentiles one, has broken down the middle wall of partition and has removed the law through his death-Ephesians 2:14, 15. How do you see the church now?

Homework

What is the difference between the Tabernacle and the Temple?