Not many days in American history evoke the memories as does September 11, 2001. That would be a dark time for our country, a day of terrorism on a scale beyond our comprehension, a day of death and fear. But in the aftermath of those horrific attacks, an iconic image of weary first responders raising an American flag over the rubble of what was the World Trade Center would fill a void, provide a symbol of hope and strength to millions of Americans struggling to come to grips with what had taken place. The ground zero flag went missing for years, but in November of 2014, a man who would choose to remain anonymous, dropped off a flag at a fire station in Everett, Washington. Through photographs, eyewitness accounts, and DNA evidence, that flag would be authenticated and now hangs on display at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum, still a providing symbol of hope, reaffirming that a nation could rebuild, recover, and endure.
After Jerusalem fell to the Chaldeans, the temple became that symbol of hope to an exiled people. As they returned to their land after decades of captivity, there was much expectation that by rebuilding the temple the life of the nation could be revitalized. After the “builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD,” some shouted for joy as a new day was dawning for their nation. But the “ancient men, that had seen the first house” wept, for they remembered the glory of Solomon’s Temple, and this new temple would pale in comparison. The prophet Haggai would instill new hope into the people by way of this reconstructed temple, as he revealed that the “glory of this later house shall be greater than the former,” for Haggai saw clearly that in this temple, restored by Zerubbabel and later by Herod, the Lord would “give peace.”
The peace the Lord promised Haggai was the Prince of Peace, the Messiah, revealed years later within those completed walls. Simeon, a man “just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel,” would hold this baby, this promised Messiah “in his arms.” Anna, the prophetess, would speak “of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” Within these walls would walk the One Who would be “a light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” I, too, can see why Haggai saw glory in this temple, for I can boldly state that “mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” And that precious Gift that blessed that temple of old still brings hope to us even in the darkest of days.
John 1:14 And the Word was flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.”
Thank You, Lord, that even in our darkest times, we have hope. Thank You for living among us and providing salvation full and free, with a promise of an eternity in Your presence.