Today is Day #6 of Counting the Omer. In scripture the #6 is known as the number of man. Man, left to his own devices in this fallen world, eventually becomes "actualized" and results in 666 the number of the Beast. As discussed in Day #3, the nature of man reflects God's own triune nature. When that nature is corrupted it becomes a multi-prismed chamber of evil...in body, mind and spirit.
It has become almost predictable now after a major disaster that a clueless politician will stand up and utter these words: "We will rebuild." As pointed out in the best-selling novel, "The Harbinger" by Jonathan Cahn, these words are the final rebellious fist-raising to the sky just before a nation begins to fall. It comes from the prophetic Book of Isaiah.
The bricks are fallen down, but we will build with hewn stones: the sycamores are cut down, but we will change them into cedars.
~ Isaiah 9:10 (KJV)
Despite scriptural forewarnings of what it portents, much of the Christian world is supporting the temple to be rebuilt in Jerusalem before the Second Coming of the Messiah. Jewish Orthodoxy also seeks to rebuild the temple and there are several organizations in Israel devoted solely to this purpose. This doesn't really make sense on an exegetical study of scripture as well as a theological spiritual level. Here's what Jesus said:
Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."
~ John 2:19
With clear hindsight, we now know He was talking about His eventual death and resurrection from the grave three days later. If Jesus was referring to the restoration of a bodily Temple-why are we so obsessed today with a temple made of "wood and stone?"
"Wood and stone" in the Bible have very negative connotations. Most every time "wood and stone" are mentioned, it is in reference to idols. In more common everyday vernacular, it refers to those things that we worship and exalt besides God. Would not another temple, with all the attendant animal sacrifices required, be a blasphemy in light of the "Ultimate Sacrifice" which has already been given through Jesus Christ on the cross?
By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
~ Hebrews 10:10 (NASB, emphasis added)
Today, we have lots of "wood and stone" idols. Based on man's rebellious nature, it is not surprising to see the frantic effort to rebuild another temporal, earthly temple in Jerusalem. This is in direct opposition to what scripture clearly teaches us about how Yeshua came to transform us.
Do you not know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?
~ 1 Corinthians 3:16 (emphasis added)
Why would the Most High God revert back to inhabiting wood and stone after making a flesh and blood appearance? As noted, the prophet Daniel says this is a move that we should expect of the ultimate "antiChrist."
While the Bible DOES prophesy that there will be a temple restoration before the true Eternal Temple of the Body of Christ is resurrected in the New Jerusalem...First, Hell will have to freeze over...literally! Before the beginning of Christ's Millennial Reign, Satan will be bound and Hell sealed over for 1000 years.
And I saw an angel coming down out of Heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended.
~ Revelation 20:1-3
It is during this time that there will be complete and total "Temple Restoration" of the Body of Christ which will be ruled by Yeshua Himself. After 6000 years of fallen mankind, we will enjoy a 1000-year Shabbat with the Lord of the Sabbath!
One last thing Christians should also be very aware of is the predicted "Abomination of Desolation." A false Christ will arise who will occupy the rebuilt earthly temple and declare himself as God. Literally, that will be a time to "run for the hills."
"So, when you see standing in the holy place 'the abomination that causes desolation, spoken of through the prophet Daniel---let the reader understand---then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains."
~ Matthew 24:15-16
I expectantly believe that we are on the crux of mass Messianic Revival, especially in Israel. I pray for this in the United States as well; a fourth "Great Awakening." Here in America, if we don't put God back into His proper place, in the center of our "temples," we can continue to expect confusion, chaos and disorder. We, as a people, have asked God to leave our so-called "neutral" society. Now we are witnessing the horrific and terrifying results of a God-less culture gone mad and under judgment. Plagues, like the Corona-virus have literally emptied the wood and stone buildings! Yet, cluelessly, Mammon worshiping, apostate churches raise their fist to the sky and declare: "WE WILL REBUILD!."
Here's the Truth...No ear-tickling pulpits or oblivious politicians declaring a false world unity will rebuild this mess. We will trip over ourselves in confusion and disarray. Indeed, we desperately DO need a temple renewal. Let's start by removing the stones in our hearts and minds, preparing the soil through REPENTANCE, and planting the Seed of Faith.
In the United States and worldwide, we truly need a major overhaul...
A complete heart and soul restoration.
He is "the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone."
~ Acts 4:11
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Teach and guide us to see clearly as we enter a time of global mass confusion. Give us ears to hear and eyes to see what is going on in the spiritual realm instead of having an earthly, temporal dim view. Let us not raise our fists against You and declare that we will rebuild what You have clearly torn down. Give us a heart of understanding that has Your Law written upon it instead of hearts of stone that resist You and Your commands. As idols are torn down, let us become more and more detached from worldly pursuits while keeping our eyes looking upwards for Your imminent return. In the remaining time that we have, help us to REPENT of any lingering obstacles of brick and stone in our own hearts which prevent our soil from being receptive for Your Heavenly Kingdom which is soon to begin. Let our obedience to Your Sabbath commandment be a symbol between us as we expectantly await the "ultimate Sabbath" of Your 1000-year Millennial Reign. We pray this prayer in the Name above all names, our Great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the ONLY NAME under Heaven and Earth by which men may be saved.
~ Amen.
~Pastor Jeffrey Daly
