Read Ezra 1
When I awoke this morning, opened the curtains of our hotel room (directly across the street from where over a decade ago the Twin Towers were decimated) I observed a "temple" of sorts under construction. The "Freedom Tower" reaches high above any other structure in New York City. This monument has taken years to erect, and billions to finance! What incredible vision, determination, and planning it takes to accomplish a feat such as this. As I've reflected on the story in Ezra chapter 1, I am reminded how the Great Jehovah has always come through for His people. Whether the Israelites of old or the Christ followers of today, our God desires us to be faithful to the work of His kingdom and the building of His temple. Yes, He is still in the business of temple construction. However, unlike the temple He stirred the heart of Cyrus and the faithful Jewish exiles to build, WE are the "temple of God" being built! (See 2 Corinthians 6:16-18). Ezra chapter 1 has challenged me to question more deeply what sort of substitutionary temples or idols I am building in my life. I've also had to consider the question of my influence on, and reputation amongst the unbelieving world that I have become quite too comfortable with. Do those I interact with in the workplace, socialize with in the community, and am called to minister to within my sphere of influence know without question that I am a Christ follower? They should shouldn't they?! After all when the decree was issued by Cyrus to provided resources to the Jewish leaders for temple re-building even the pagan neighbors got involved in sharing of their resources for the work!
Heavenly Father, we know that ALL of the worldly towers erected will eventually fail and fall. May we become so dedicated to the work You have given us to accomplish that the lost, hurting, and unbelieving world would be impacted by our faith in You and enable us to be a conduit of the hope of the gospel found in Jesus Christ alone, Amen!