‏ Ezra 6

* The decree for completing the temple. (1-12) The temple is

finished. (13-22)

1-12 When God's time is come for fulfilling his gracious

purposes concerning his church, he will raise up instruments to

do it, from whom such good service was not expected. While our

thoughts are directed to this event, we are led by Zechariah to

fix our regard on a nobler, a spiritual building. The Lord Jesus

Christ continues to lay one stone upon another: let us assist

the great design. Difficulties delay the progress of this sacred

edifice. Yet let not opposition discourage us, for in due season

it will be completed to his abundant praise. He shall bring

forth the head-stone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace,

grace unto it. 13-22 The gospel church, that spiritual temple, is long in the

building, but it will be finished at last, when the mystical

body is completed. Every believer is a living temple, building

up himself in his most holy faith: much opposition is given to

this work by Satan and our own corruptions. We trifle, and

proceed in it with many stops and pauses; but He that has begun

the good work, will see it performed. Then spirits of just men

will be made perfect. By getting their sins taken away, the Jews

would free themselves from the sting of their late troubles.

Their service was with joy. Let us welcome holy ordinances with

joy, and serve the Lord with gladness.