The Rebuilt Temple; Made by Man
Didn’t the Jews rebuild the temple? Yes, they did rebuild the structure, but it was an empty building. It had no mercy seat, and thus nowhere for God to dwell. The priests could not perform their duties there; no forgiveness could be exercised. Herod enlarged it and made a magnificent building. It was empty of holy things. It lacked the presence of the glory of God. God had other plans.
People went there to pray and to worship but God was not there. God had made that point with the first temple but the people clung to the belief that He would not desert them. Jesus makes God’s intentions known when He predicts the destruction of the temple and the city. This time not one stone will be attached to another. God sent the Roman army and destroyed both the temple and the city in 70 CE.
The good news is that before He destroyed the temple building, He erected a new temple. The kingdom of God was built with living stones. Those who became a part of Christ became a temple of God. Each became a personal temple and together they made up the heavenly temple. When Jesus returns, He will gather the living stones and God will fashion the new and everlasting temple. There will be a new heaven and a new earth and a new Eden. God will dwell among His people for all eternity.
Philip Dampier's Blog 