In 538 B.C., 70 years of Babylonian captivity came to an end for God’s people. Zerubbabel and Jeshua led the first group of exiles back to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:1-2). One of the first items of business was to rebuild the Lord’s temple (Ezra 3:8-9). The prophets Haggai (Hag. 1:3, 13-14) and Zechariah (Zech. 4:6-14) gave them a great deal of encouragement.

Even though there was opposition (Ezra 4:1-5), God blessed the efforts of Zerubbabel the governor, and Jeshua the high priest. Their work was successful and the new temple was completed in three and a half years (Ezra 6:13-15). Both Zerubbabel and Jeshua (whose name also can be translated “Jesus”), point our attention to our Lord Jesus, who directs an even bigger construction project.

Jesus’ earthly stepfather was a carpenter (Matt. 13:55). Jesus Himself was known by that same trade (Mark 6:3). No doubt Joseph taught Jesus his skills of woodworking. As a carpenter, Jesus knew what it was like to be involved in a construction project. In Nazareth where Jesus grew up, there were no buildings as large as the Jerusalem temple. But Jesus is in charge of building something much larger—His church.

When Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matt. 16:16), Jesus replied, “On this rock I will build My church” (Matt. 16:18). The church that Jesus builds is not made of wood or stone, but people—not just any people—but those who confess Him as their Lord and Savior. Jesus himself is the cornerstone (Ps. 118:22, Is. 28:16), and the prophets and apostles are the foundation (Eph. 2:19-22).

Just as a skilled carpenter uses a hammer or a saw, (or as Zerubbabel used a plumb line, Zech. 4:10), so also Jesus uses His special tools—His Word and sacraments. By the power of His Word, He created the universe (Ps. 33:6, 9, Heb. 11:3). So also by the power of His Word, He calls us out of darkness and into the light of His kingdom of grace—His holy Christian church. Jesus builds His church one person at a time as each new believer comes to have faith in Him as His Lord and Savior. It is only in His church that you have the beginning of the joy and peace that will be yours in abundance in heaven.

By God’s grace, His church is expanding to include people across the globe from every tribe and race (Matt. 13:31-32, Rev. 7:9). The fiercest opposition cannot defeat it. Even the gates of hell will not stand up against it (Matt. 16:18). As we assist the Lord in His building project, let us build each other up (1 Thess. 5:11, Jude 20) and strengthen each other in our Christian faith that we might remain in His kingdom now and forever.

Prayer: Thank you Lord for calling me into Your church. It gives me a great sense of comfort and belonging. May Your powerful Word be proclaimed throughout the world so that Your kingdom of grace may come to everyone. Amen.

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Updated: Tuesday March 04, 2008