What does "He will build the temple" signify for the Church today? The Promise in Zechariah 6:13 “Indeed, He will build the temple of the LORD, and He will be clothed with splendor and will sit and rule on His throne. And He will be a priest on His throne, and there will be harmony between the two.” Literal Fulfillment: Jesus the Master Builder - “The Branch” in Zechariah’s vision points to Jesus the Messiah (Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5). - At His first coming, He laid the foundation by His death and resurrection: “No one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Colossians 3:11) - He Himself confessed, “I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.” (Matthew 16:18) Ongoing Construction: Living Stones Today - Believers are incorporated into this temple: “You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house.” (1 Peter 2:5) - The structure grows continually as the gospel advances: “In Him the whole building, fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord.” (Ephesians 2:21) Spiritual Realities for the Church • God’s Presence: The temple guarantees that He dwells among His people right now through the Spirit (1 Colossians 3:16). • Holiness: Because we are His sanctuary, personal and corporate purity matter (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). • Worship: The temple’s purpose was sacrifice and praise; today our lives are “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1) • Royal-Priestly Ministry: Zechariah unites kingship and priesthood in one Person; believers share that dual calling—“a royal priesthood.” (1 Peter 2:9) • Unity: All stones rely on the same cornerstone; divisions have no place in His house (Ephesians 2:14-22). • Mission: Each added stone represents another saved soul; evangelism is temple construction in action (Acts 2:47). Future Outlook: The Millennial Temple - Scripture promises a literal house for the Lord in the age to come (Ezekiel 40-48; Zechariah 14:20-21). - The Messiah Himself will oversee its erection and reign from it, perfectly blending priestly intercession and royal authority (Zechariah 6:13). - Even beyond the millennium, the perfected reality is God dwelling with us forever: “I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.” (Revelation 21:22) Our Response: Partnering With the Builder – Anchor every aspect of life on Christ the Cornerstone. – Pursue holiness that befits God’s dwelling place. – Offer continual worship—words, deeds, and attitudes. – Serve as priest-kings: intercede, proclaim, and steward His kingdom. – Contribute to the building project by discipling others and strengthening the local church. |
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