May 20: The "Plan B" of the Second Temple

May 20: The "Plan B" of the Second Temple

Scripture: "'The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,' says the Lord of hosts." — Haggai 2:9

When the "Exiles" returned to Jerusalem, they built a "Second Temple" that was "smaller" and "less grand" than Solomon’s "Plan A" temple. The "old men" wept because it wasn't the same. But God said that the "glory of the latter" would be "greater." Why? Because the "Prince of Peace" Himself would walk in it.

The "Truth of the Latter Glory" is that God is not "limited by size" or "grandeur." He uses our "Second Temples"—our "smaller starts" and our "modest efforts"—to "reveal His Glory." His "Plan B" is often "greater" because it is "full of His presence," not our "decoration."

"New Beginnings" can be "discouraging" when we compare them to the "past." But God is "doing a new thing." He wants us to "focus on the Presence," not the "building." Our "Plan B" lives, though they may seem "lesser" to the world, are "greater" in heaven if "Christ is in them."

Don't "weep" over your "Second Temple" today. Don't let "nostalgia" for your "Plan A" keep you from "building" your "Plan B." Trust that the "Glory of the Latter" is "greater" than you can imagine. "Build with joy," for the "Lord of Hosts" is "with you."

Reflection Questions:
What "New Beginning" in my life am I "comparing" to the "past"?
How can I "see the Glory" of God in my "modest efforts" today?
Do I believe that "Christ's presence" is more important than "worldly success"?

Source: Inspired by Prophets and Kings, Ellen G. White; "The Second Temple" sermon by Doug Batchelor.