Zechariah 1:16
Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem. Therefore thus saith the LORD; I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies: my house shall be built in it, saith the LORD of hosts, and a line shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem.
The declaration was addressed to the exiles who had returned to Jerusalem after the years of indignation, announcing that the Lord had turned back to Jerusalem with mercies. His house, the temple, would be built in the city. A line would be stretched forth upon Jerusalem, measuring it out for restoration. The word was given to encourage the builders when their permission to rebuild seemed in danger of being withdrawn.
The same promise reaches God's people today who are called to build His house, bidding them respond to His favor by building. This was illustrated in the building of a church for a school community, undertaken with the assurance of His presence and approval. The chapters that follow hold lessons for the present time, because history is being repeated.