Who is left among you that saw this house in her first glory? and how do ye see it now? is it not in your eyes in comparison of it as nothing?
The temple of the lord was a significant indicator of Israel's relationship with her God. Many times, whenever the nation fall into apostasy, marauding nations ravaged the beautiful temple until it was finally left in ruins.
The passage above came from the Lord through the prophet Haggai to encourage work of repairs going on in the temple.
I went by my old school once, and was made very sad by the ruins I saw. The walls were cracked and pebbles have replaced the grass I knew. My nose saw the toilet before my eyes could recognize it. What my eyes saw, was in no way relatable to my memories.
What can you see, as you look around the Church of Christ? What can you see in our beloved nation? What can you see as you view your own personal life? Does it seem like yesterday was better? Those who did not see yesterday, may call today normal but eyes that saw the golden past are grieved by the present paint-works.
Thus saith the Lord, the glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former, saith the Lord of hosts: and in this place will I give peace. The Church will arise, the nation will prosper and your personal tomorrow will make yesterday look pale.
Please believe and pray. The workmen are here already and the work of repair is on. Your eyes will see beauty beyond what was.