Zerubbabel was one of the Jews who returned to Jerusalem, and is a very significant character. He is a direct ancestor of Jesus in the royal line of David, and he is also prophetically a reflection of the Messiah. He was the recipient of several significant prophecies regarding the coming of the Chosen One, and played an integral part on the rebuilding of the House of the Lord. "So the LORD stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people; and they came and worked on the house of the LORD of hosts, their God." (Haggai 1:14 NASB)

Today, God is stirring up the hearts of both Christians and Jews regarding the rebuilding of the Temple in our days, in preparation for the return of Jesus. '"And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts.' (Malachi 3:1 NASB) The time has come for the people who know the Lord to beseech Him to accomplish the things He has promised. 'Thus says the LORD of hosts, "I am exceedingly jealous for Jerusalem and Zion. But I am very angry with the nations who are at ease; for while I was only a little angry, they furthered the disaster." Therefore, thus says the LORD, "I will return to Jerusalem with compassion; My house will be built in it," declares the LORD of hosts, "and a measuring line will be stretched over Jerusalem."' (Zechariah 1:14-16 NASB)

Before we see any "measuring lines" signifying construction activity, there are major physical and political obstacles that must be eliminated. Currently, the Muslim building called "The Dome of the Rock" stands on the temple mount in Jerusalem. To gain insight in how the Lord regards this edifice standing on His treasured property, take a look once again at the familiar verse regarding the power of God. 'So he said to me, "This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: 'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty. "What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of 'God bless it! God bless it!'"' See how exciting this is? It is talking about a major obstacle to rebuilding the Temple, a "mighty mountain". But the Lord regards this "mighty mountain" with disdain and disregard: "What are you? You are nothing at all to me". You see, what God said He is going to accomplish "by My Spirit" is the removal of the obstacle in preparation for rebuilding. I interpret this to mean that He will make the Dome of the Rock "level ground" by supernatural means. God is going to level it! Then there will be incredible joy and celebration in Jerusalem as the construction commences. Right now, in Israel, there are groups making detailed and elaborate preparations for rebuilding the Temple.

What part do we who follow the Lamb play in this? A very significant part - we are the watchmen, the sentinels, the guardians who petition the Lord eagerly for Jerusalem's sake. We are the ones who must not remain quiet "until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch." (Isaiah 62:1 NRSV) It's time for us to call on the name of the Lord for the restoration of Israel. The directive of Peter to the Jews in his sermon in the Temple still applies: "Repent therefore, and turn to God so that your sins may be wiped out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah appointed for you, that is, Jesus, who must remain in heaven until the time of universal restoration that God announced long ago through his holy prophets." (Acts 3:19-21 NRSV) The "times of refreshing" for Israel will happen when they turn back to God. As one of those holy prophets said, "Turn back to him whom you have deeply betrayed, O people of Israel." (Isaiah 31:6 NRSV)

We must pray that the hearts of the sons of Israel be softened to accept their Messiah Yeshua. When He returns in His Father's glory, He will take His rightful place on the throne of Zion, the King of Israel who will inherit the nations as His possession. Prior to that, many shocking events will happen in Israel to prepare the way. It is imperative that we follow the Spirit's stirrings and fulfill our role in praying for the fulfillment of the prophecies. "On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have appointed watchmen; all day and all night they will never keep silent. You who remind the LORD, take no rest for yourselves; and give him no rest until he establishes Jerusalem and makes it renowned throughout the earth." (Isaiah 62:6-7) We are the watchmen who must tirelessly call out to the Lord and "remind" Him to complete the consolation of Israel.