Zechariah 1:16–17 (NIV) “Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there my house will be rebuilt. And the measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem,’ declares the Lord Almighty. ‘Proclaim further: This is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘My towns will again overflow with prosperity, and the Lord will again comfort Zion and choose Jerusalem.’”

Men are builders by nature.
We build careers, homes, families, reputations, and legacies.
But Scripture forces a deeper question:

What is God building—and are we building with Him, or against Him?

Through the prophet Zechariah, God declares something unmistakable: He has chosen Jerusalem. Not merely as a city on a map, but as the place where His redemptive purposes converge and where His dwelling with His people will ultimately be fulfilled.

This promise stretches far beyond Zechariah’s day.

The Bible does not end with mankind ascending to God—but with God descending to dwell with His people. Revelation shows us a New Jerusalem coming down from heaven, where the throne of God stands forever. Seated on that throne is Jesus Christ—King of kings and Lord of lords.

This is not the Jerusalem of modern politics or present geography.
This earth, and the Jerusalem that exists on it today, will pass away.
God is preparing a New Jerusalem on a new earth, a permanent dwelling where righteousness reigns and God lives among His redeemed people.

And here is the critical truth every man must face:

Only those who belong to Jesus belong to that city.

God is the Creator of all people, in all nations.
But Jesus is Savior only to those who trust Him.
The New Jerusalem is not inherited by ethnicity, effort, or morality—it is entered by faith in Christ alone.

God began His redemptive plan through Abraham, establishing His covenant people and anchoring His kingdom purposes in Jerusalem. Jesus lived, died, and rose again in Jerusalem, fulfilling every prophecy concerning the Messiah’s saving work. And He will return again—not merely to visit, but to reign—bringing the fullness of God’s kingdom with Him.

Until that day, every man lives between two cities:

• One that is temporary, fragile, and fading

• And one that is eternal, secure, and coming

Where your hope rests determines how you live now.

If your priorities are shaped only by this world, you will always feel pressure, fear, and scarcity.
But if your life is shaped by the coming kingdom—by the New Jerusalem—your work gains purpose, your obedience gains clarity, and your endurance gains strength.

Jesus is not just your Savior. He is your King.
And His kingdom is not imaginary—it is inevitable.

Lift your eyes beyond what you’re building—and ask what God is building in you.

• Examine your priorities: Are they shaped by temporary success or eternal citizenship?

• Reorder your obedience: Are your decisions aligned with Jesus as King, not just helper?

• Anchor your hope: Provision, peace, and purpose flow from belonging to Christ’s kingdom, not controlling your circumstances.

Run today’s play: Live like a man who belongs to the coming city.
Build what lasts.
Serve the true King.
And let your life point others toward the Jerusalem that is still coming.