In our last blog, we were introduced to three individuals: Haggai the Prophet; Zerubbabel the governor of the returning exiles; and Joshua the High Priest, all commissioned by God to fulfill their calling in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. If you recall, after building the altar of sacrifice so that they could offer burnt offerings for their sins, the exiles had immediately begun work on the temple, completing the foundation in short order. But then, discouragement, fear, unwise counsel, procrastination, and the establishment of personal priorities stalled the work. Sixteen years later, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah would encourage the exiles to take up the work again, which resumed in 520 B.C. and was completed four years later in 516 B.C.  

Zechariah was a fairly popular name that was given to no fewer than 29 Old Testament characters. Maybe it’s because of the hope that is expressed in the name which means “God remembers.” Zechariah was a younger contemporary of Haggai, and both of them encouraged the people to resume their work in rebuilding the temple. Rather than condemning them for their lack of priorities in completing the work, Zechariah reminded them of the future importance of the temple as one day the Messiah would spend time in and around the temple. Zechariah reminded them that the future glory of the temple was contingent upon their present obedience to finish the task. Zechariah made them see that they were not merely building a structure, but their future when Messiah would enter it. This encouragement caused them to get to work with zeal and purpose.

The first eight chapters of the book focus on the rebuilding of the temple, reminding them that they are actually building for the future of God’s people because the Messiah will one day be present in and around the temple, preaching the message of salvation. In chapter 9-14, Zechariah reminds them of God’s faithfulness toward Israel through the Messiah. This hope of glory provides a source of reassurance to the remnant during challenging circumstances. Zechariah also sees the need for spiritual revival among the people, calling them to humble themselves and begin to act obediently to God’s moral precepts.

There are a few key verses that we should remember as we look at the Book of Zechariah,

“Thus says the Lord, ‘I will return to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. Then Jerusalem will be called the City of Truth, and the mountain of the LORD of hosts will be called the Holy Mountain’” (Zech. 8:3).

And there are  more prophetic utterances that you will recognize,

“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem. Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and endowed with salvation, humble, and mounted on a donkey, even on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zech. 9:9).

In the final chapter of the Book (chapter 14), Zechariah describes the siege of Jerusalem (AD 70 by the Roman army) and the reign of the Messiah among His people.

The main focus of Zechariah’s prophecy was to encourage the people to begin rebuilding the temple by providing a glimpse into the future. They were rebuilding because the Messiah would one day set foot in the temple in Jerusalem. As we reflect upon the New Testament temple of God, we find that it is actually the Church, with Jesus Christ being the Chief Cornerstone, and individual Christians being not just “stones,” but “living stones.” Let’s look at what Peter says about the New Covenant Church,

“But coming to Him as a living stone, rejected by men, but choice and precious in the sight of God, you also as living stones are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 2:4-5).

If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, having been redeemed by His blood, then you are a “living stone” in the New Covenant Temple, with Jesus Christ being the Chief Cornerstone. Furthermore, you are a “holy priesthood” called to offer up “spiritual sacrifices” that are acceptable to God. Those sacrifices have to do with investing our time and resources in serving others, while all the time remembering the words of King David, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit, because God will never reject a broken and contrite heart” (Ps. 51:17).

Let’s be encouraged by the words of Zechariah regarding the New Covenant temple, of which we are all a part, if you are a believer “in Christ.” And if you are “in Christ,” then consider yourself as a “priest” who will offer up spiritual sacrifices to God each and every day as you submit your will to Christ.

Peggy and I pray that the Lord will richly bless each one of you.