Day 163: Ezra 1-2; John 19:16-42

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” (John 2:19, ESV).

Ezra records the return of God's people to rebuild the Solomon's temple that was ultimately destroyed because of the horror of Israel's persistent sin. The end result, by Jesus' day (and Herod's intervention) was a wonder to behold. The temple was rebuilt, but the problem of sin was not resolved. In some ways, it had grown more insidious (though all sin is sin) because it had cloaked itself in religion, justifying its existence with religious fervor. The fervor of the religious leaders lead them to what they felt was the ultimate revenge. They had managed to manipulate the crowds to call for, and bully the governor into performing, the crucifixion of Jesus. What they did not realize, was they were fulfilling what Jesus prophesied in John 2:19 in the record of John 19. Rather than wicked revenge, they were fulfilling the Master's plan. The One for whose worship the temple was originally built, God the Son and Creator (John 1:1-3), was crucified and died. Death seems final. Destruction of the Temple seems complete. But, to use the well-worn and wonderful words: "It's Friday, but Sunday's coming!" Now, sin is forgiven and death is conquered and there is a new temple, not made by human hands but indwelt by God Himself, the Holy Spirit...yes, we are the temple. Praise God for His perfect plan of salvation! Live in His presence, for His praise, and let His glory flow out!