The Restored Temple in the End Times

The Restored Temple in the End Times

Welcome to this Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship. We're currently observing Hanukkah, and this message, delivered by Matthew Vander Els, titled "The Restored Temple in the End Times," will explore the significance of this festival for Christians, followers of Yeshua (Jesus). Often, we search for something bigger than ourselves, a community grounded in truth and love, a place to worship the King of Kings. At Founded in Truth, we see ourselves as more than just a fellowship; we're a family, and we welcome you home.

This teaching will take a break from our series on missed connections to delve into why Hanukkah holds importance for believers in Jesus and how this eight-day observance should have a profound meaning for us. The central theme of Hanukkah is dedication, rededication, or restoration – specifically, the restoration of the place where God dwells, the altar, and the sacrifices, thereby indirectly restoring the holy days of Scripture. This restoration symbolizes the meeting of heaven and earth and carries prophetic significance for us moving forward.

To understand Hanukkah, let's examine the historical context. The celebration of Hanukkah is not primarily about a war victory, political independence, the installation of new leadership, or God punishing oppressors. Instead, the focus is on the dedication of the altar. This remembrance serves as a powerful reminder that no matter what happens in the world, even if God's presence, His house, or the altar of communion is taken away, there is always hope and grace from God. There is always a path to return and rededicate ourselves to Him. As stated in 1 Maccabees chapter 4, verse 59, the Maccabees determined that every year, during the winter month on the 25th day, there would be a day dedicated to the rekindling of the intimate relationship between humanity and God. Regardless of how distant one feels, Hanukkah is a reminder of hope.

Yeshua and the Festivals

John chapter 6 links Yeshua to Passover. The text mentions that the Jewish Passover festival was near when Jesus fed a large crowd with bread and fish, echoing the manna provided during the Exodus. This association portrays Yeshua as the bread of life, inaugurating a new and greater Passover, a greater Exodus.

In John chapter 7, Yeshua is connected to the Feast of Tabernacles (Sukkot). During the festival, Jewish leaders were looking for Jesus. John structures his narrative to draw attention to this connection. On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus declared, "'Let everyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.'" John clarifies that Jesus was speaking about the Holy Spirit. This statement is particularly significant because during Sukkot, a water-pouring ceremony took place, symbolizing God's provision of water and the anticipated outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Jesus's words indicate that He is the one who truly quenches spiritual thirst, the ultimate fulfillment of Sukkot.

Believers as the Restored Temple

As believers, we recognize Jesus as the fulfillment of the Hanukkah story, the true restored temple. When we celebrate Hanukkah, we celebrate the festival of the light, reminded of the hope found only in Yeshua. The Gospel of Matthew concludes with the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20), where Jesus, having all authority in heaven and on earth, commands His followers to go and make disciples, teaching them to obey everything He has commanded. This mandate emphasizes a self-sacrificial love, mirroring the love of God shown through Yeshua. Jesus promises to be with His followers always, to the very end of the age. We are called to be His representatives on earth, manifesting His love to the world.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Introspection and Rededication: Take time for personal reflection to identify areas in your life that need rededication to God.
• Removing Hindrances: Be willing to confront and remove any "old altars" or distractions that prevent the light of Yeshua from shining through you.
• Embracing Forgiveness: Follow Yeshua's example by forgiving your enemies and those who persecute you, reflecting God's love.
• Living as the Temple: Recognize that as a follower of Yeshua, you are a temple of the Holy Spirit, and strive to live in a way that honors God and allows His presence to be known to others.
• Extending God's Kingdom: Actively participate in the expansion of God's kingdom by sharing the love of Yeshua with the world.
• Focusing on Dedication, Not Just Victory: Remember that the core message of Hanukkah is dedication and restoration, not solely a military triumph.
• Finding Hope in Grace: Regardless of past failures or current struggles, trust in God's enduring grace and the possibility of new beginnings.

Resources

• The Bible by Various Authors
• N.T. Wright - The Day the Revolution Began
• Victor J. Donovan - Hanukkah and the Birth of Christ

Biblehub Verses

• 1 Maccabees 4:59
• 2 Maccabees 7
• 1 Kings
• Ezekiel 34
• John 2:19
• John 6
• John 7
• John 10:22
• Matthew 12:6
• Matthew 28:16
• 1 Corinthians 3:16
• 1 Corinthians 6:19
• 1 Peter 2:5
• Zechariah 2

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