In this video listen to Ezra chapter 3, read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
In Ezra 3 the foundation of the temple (God’s house) is laid while they sing Psalm 136. For us, what is the foundation of the Lord’s house? According to the NT scriptures it is apostles and prophets, with Christ as the chief cornerstone. (Ephesians 2:20) What seems so real in the Old Testament is a symbol a much more real temple in the NT.
So there are two ways to interpret this for us. Firstly we have the scriptures, being comprised of the OT prophets, the NT apostles and Christ - and this is the foundation of our faith. But secondly this is true in a relational way as well. As we walk with our leaders and with Christ, and our hearts are knit together, we become a temple of living stones as Peter said in his epistle.
Our lives are to be joined together as a house for the Lord. This is the real temple. And in our world today, such a foundation is needed.