“’The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the LORD of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the LORD of hosts” (Haggai 2:9).

Beyond majestic is what this latter temple will be, filled with gold and silver from God and whatever else He believes will make it glorious, including the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. Some commentators believe this temple speaks about the millennial temple, the one in which Jesus will reign after His second coming. Others believe it refers to the one during Jesus’ first time on earth, the temple Herod the Great took great lengths to expand and beautify. Whichever temple, one thing is sure: with Jesus’ presence there is peace and that’s where I want to be.

So right here on earth, before Christ’s earthly reign in a building made with hands, I will work to glorify my temple, my God–built and –housed body—to allow Jesus’ peace to pass in it. This body, Christ’s present earthly dwelling place, is a little marred, suffering from external and internal strife, not all from my making but some I surely can shake. So I seek to rid myself of too much yeast and sugar that depress my immune system, causing acne and aches and breaks in my soul that always conceal God’s glory, if only to me. I plan to step on my stepper and dance my African dances to move this body, God’s body, into something more healthy, more physically beautiful.

As Christmas approaches, with all its parties and pleasant pastries and filling foods, I hope we all remember God’s bodies and serve them modestly so God’s glory shines mightily and His peace prevails through every limb. May the glory of our latter temple be greater than the former, this is my prayer.

Copyright 2010 by Rhonda J. Smith