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."
What God did for His people, Israel, was very great. There is a striking contrast between their slavery in Egypt and their abundance in the promised land. God had multiplied His blessing upon them, just as Jesus did when He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). If the blessing is to be maintained and increased, we must honour the Lord. We must cry to Him for blessing: "Hear my prayer, O God, listen to the words of my mouth." We must call upon Him with faith: "Surely God is my help; the Lord is the One who sustains me" (Psalm 54:2,4).
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