Ezra 4:6-5:17; Revelation 11:1-19; Psalm 145:1-7
Ezra speaks of the rebuilding of the Temple at Jerusalem (Ezra 5:11). Revelation speaks of “God’s Temple in heaven” (Revelation 11:19). Both belong together – building the Church here on earth and building for the Kingdom of heaven. We must never be content with a measure of success in building the Church here on earth. God’s calling is heavenly. We look beyond the Church here on earth. We work towards the full and final fulfilment of God’s eternal purpose: “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). Here, on earth, we are learning to praise God – “I will exalt You, my God the King … Every day I will praise You” (Psalm 145:1-2). This praise will be complete in the glory of God’s heavenly and eternal Kingdom: “I will praise Your Name for ever and ever … and extol Your Name for ever and ever” (Psalm 145:1-2). However much God may bless our worship here on earth, there will always be an inadequacy about our worship in this earthly life: “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no-one can fathom” (Psalm 145:3). Psalm 145:4-7 gives a great description of the joyful celebration, which is true worship (Psalm 145:7). This joyful celebration will reach its fullness in the glory of heaven. There, we will see the most marvellous fulfilment of the words of Psalm 145:7: “They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness.”
From my One Year Bible
Ezra speaks of the rebuilding of the Temple at Jerusalem (Ezra 5:11). Revelation speaks of “God’s Temple in heaven” (Revelation 11:19). Both belong together – building the Church here on earth and building for the Kingdom of heaven. We must never be content with a measure of success in building the Church here on earth. God’s calling is heavenly. We look beyond the Church here on earth. We work towards the full and final fulfilment of God’s eternal purpose: “The kingdom of the world has become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign for ever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). Here, on earth, we are learning to praise God – “I will exalt You, my God the King … Every day I will praise You” (Psalm 145:1-2). This praise will be complete in the glory of God’s heavenly and eternal Kingdom: “I will praise Your Name for ever and ever … and extol Your Name for ever and ever” (Psalm 145:1-2). However much God may bless our worship here on earth, there will always be an inadequacy about our worship in this earthly life: “Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; His greatness no-one can fathom” (Psalm 145:3). Psalm 145:4-7 gives a great description of the joyful celebration, which is true worship (Psalm 145:7). This joyful celebration will reach its fullness in the glory of heaven. There, we will see the most marvellous fulfilment of the words of Psalm 145:7: “They will celebrate Your abundant goodness and joyfully sing of Your righteousness.”
From my One Year Bible
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