A Crown And A Promise
"He will branch out from this place and build the temple of the LORD" Zech. 6:12.

"So," Kristin concluded, "do you have any questions?"

Kristin was addressing a women's home Bible study group. They had started with a meal at the dining room table, decorated with a lovely floral centerpiece. Then they had listened to Kristin's report about her work as a missionary in Germany.

A gray-haired woman named Shirley asked, "I find it difficult to be optimistic about Germany, and Europe in general."

"Why do you say that?" Kristin asked.

"I have traveled throughout Europe. It's so disappointing to see the great cathedrals with only a handful of worshipers present on Sunday. I've chatted with many young Europeans, who view Christianity as passe. They would much rather explore New Age teachings, eastern religions or the occult. So what hope is there for Europe?"

Without a word, Kristin reached out to the floral centerpiece and deliberately removed a decorative wire made of silver and gold foil. She coiled the wire into a circle about six inches in diameter. Then she walked over to Shirley, placed the wire on her head, as though it were a tiara, and said, "Despite all the mission obstacles in Europe, I find hope in Zechariah 6, which promises:
'Here is the man whose name is the Branch,
and he will branch out from this place
and build the temple of the LORD. ...
Those who are far away will come
and help to build the temple of the LORD.' vv. 12, 15"

Tears formed in the corners of Shirley's eyes, though she wasn't sure why. "Explain it to me," she asked.

"A small remnant of Jews had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. Though they had been back home for 15 years, they were slow to rebuild the temple. Why? The glory of their nation was gone. David's descendants no longer reigned as kings, and the temple was a heap of ruins. So the people doubted whether anything remained of God's promise to make His temple a house of prayer for all nations (Is. 56:7).

"To lift the spirits of these dejected people the Lord sent the prophet Zechariah. Following God's orders, Zechariah fashioned a crown of silver and gold and set it on the high priest's head. Then the prophet delivered the words I just recited to you. Shirley, who is the man called the Branch?"

"Is it the Messiah, who would sprout like a sapling from the stump of David's line?"

"Correct. Some day the Jews would again have an anointed king. We call Him Jesus. In addition, God promised that Jesus, the Branch, will build the temple of the Lord, and people from far away--even Europeans--will come and help build the temple. The New Testament temple consists not of rocks, but of people, and the fulfillment of this promise is still in progress. Shirley, can you sense any hope now?"

"I think so. Even in a post-Christian age, through missionaries like you and prayer supporters like me, the Lord can and will continue to build His temple of believers in Europe."

1. What do you know about the challenge of re-evangelizing Europe?
2. Also consider the similar promise in Hag. 2:1-9.
3. Apply Zech. 6:9-15 and Hag. 2:1-9 to your witnessing circumstances.