Reading: Ezra 3-5
And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel. And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because He is good, for His mercy endureth for ever toward Israel (Ezra 3:10-11).
Zerubbabel and his Jewish entourage had returned to Jerusalem for a singular reason; Cyrus commissioned them to rebuild the Temple of the Lord. After undertaking a long and arduous journey, they arrived in a land that bore only a passing resemblance to the beloved homeland of their memories and stories. To their further dismay, they also found that adversaries of the tribes of Judah and Benjamin (4:1) already inhabited the area. Their dreams of a quick and easy restoration were dashed, and they were forced to acknowledge that the task before them was fraught with both difficulty and danger. Despite this, they were still determined to fulfill their mission and serve the Lord their God.
Then stood up Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brethren the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brethren, and builded the altar of the God of Israel, to offer burnt offerings thereon, as it is written in the law of Moses the man of God (Ezra 3:2). To the repatriated Jews, spiritually reconnecting with God was of a higher priority than seeing to their immediate defensive needs. After restoring the altar of the God of Israel, they celebrated the Feast of Trumpets in accordance with God’s Law (Lev. 23:24; Ezra 3:6), followed 14 days later by the feast of Tabernacles (Lev. 23:34; Ezra 3:4).
After taking the time to worship and make themselves right with God, they approached the difficult task of laying the foundation for the new Temple. This work was undertaken with a joyous spirit. Working as one, they set aside self-interest and dedicated themselves to restoring the site dedicated to true worship according to the laws of God. And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.
These people were living in a dangerous land, with enemies on all sides eager to see them fail, yet they rejoiced instead of cowering in fear. For that brief moment in time, they shared in the glory of God that their ancestors had experienced at the dedication of the Temple. United under God, they felt the peace and joy that only He could provide (Phil. 4:7).
Sadly, this single-minded dedication to the Lord’s service didn’t last. As their enemies banded together and hindered their work, the men faltered in their tasks. At last, the current king of Medo-Persia, to whom they still owed allegiance, forbade further work on improvements in God’s city (Ezra 4:17-23). The servants of God then bowed to the will of man. Then ceased the work of the house of God which is at Jerusalem. So it ceased unto the second year of the reign of Darius king of Persia (4:24).
Therefore,my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (I Cor. 15:58).
Thought For Today: A foundation of faith will support a lifetime of effort.
Christ Revealed: Through the great (huge) stones used in building the Temple of God (Ezra 5:8). Jesus Christ is the Stone which the builders refused (rejected), and He has become the Head Stone of the Corner (Cornerstone) of our faith (Ps. 118:22; Matt. 21:42).
Word Studies: 3:3 his bases = its original foundation; 3:8 set forward = oversee; 3:11 by course = by the assigned divisions of priests; 4:4 weakened the hands of = discouraged and frightened; 5:10 certify = inform.
Pray For Government Officials:Rep.Delia Ramirez (IL) • Country: Panama (3,559,408) Southern Central America • Major Languages: Spanish, English • Religious Freedom • 85% Roman Catholic; 15% Protestant; (Small groups of: Seventh-Day Adventist; Mormon; Jehovah's Witness; Hindu; Buddhist; Rastafarian; Jewish; Muslim) • Prayer Suggestion: Pray, in faith, for God to work a miracle (II Kings 4:33-34).
Optional Reading: II Corinthians 4.