The Foundation

“But the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.”
Ezra 3:6

The Lord’s temple had already been destroyed once when Cyrus allowed the Israelites to return to their homeland and rebuild it. So they turned to masons and carpenters, the Sidonians and the Tyrians to construct and furnish the temple. They erected it in beauty and strength while adorning it with the finest decorations. It was dedicated and consecrated and stood for hundreds of years.

The city grew as did its wonder. Jesus’ disciples marveled over it. “Look Teacher, what wonderful stones and what wonderful buildings!” Christ responds, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down” (Mark 13:1-2). History tells us that the temple was once again torn to the ground. Despite the Israelites’ concern for building a strong foundation, they placed their hope in the wrong material.

But the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid.

Christ is the only firm foundation. All else is like building a house on the sand that will be washed away at the first sign of rain. He is unshakeable. He alone will stand forever.