Ezra 3
In Ezra 1, we see God moving the heart of Cyrus to allow the Israelites in Babylonian exile to return to Jerusalem. As work began to rebuild the temple, those not old enough to remember the temple as built by Solomon shouted for joy while the older generation who did remember wept.
The MacArthur Bible Commentary further details the sorrow of those who did not see the rebuilt temple as "match[ing] the splendor of Solomon's temple nor did the presence of God reside within it". Matthew Henry, I believe, correctly points out that for those filled with sorrow they should recall their own sin (particularly as priests and Levites) as part of the cause for their exile. They should focus not on the size of the temple but on the amazing grace and mercy of God who was no less great in the rebuilt temple.
Yet, this is what we do. We look at what is seen - church buildings, programs, etc. as if church was a product for us to consume - I know I have done this myself. Our focus should always be on God and our relationship with Him and how our present circumstances reflect His glory because that is why we exist.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God, full of love and splendor and You need no building! I am so grateful for all that You are, and all that You have done in my life! Thank You Jesus! I am not worth such love. I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. v12
In Ezra 1, we see God moving the heart of Cyrus to allow the Israelites in Babylonian exile to return to Jerusalem. As work began to rebuild the temple, those not old enough to remember the temple as built by Solomon shouted for joy while the older generation who did remember wept.
The MacArthur Bible Commentary further details the sorrow of those who did not see the rebuilt temple as "match[ing] the splendor of Solomon's temple nor did the presence of God reside within it". Matthew Henry, I believe, correctly points out that for those filled with sorrow they should recall their own sin (particularly as priests and Levites) as part of the cause for their exile. They should focus not on the size of the temple but on the amazing grace and mercy of God who was no less great in the rebuilt temple.
Yet, this is what we do. We look at what is seen - church buildings, programs, etc. as if church was a product for us to consume - I know I have done this myself. Our focus should always be on God and our relationship with Him and how our present circumstances reflect His glory because that is why we exist.
So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an amazing God, full of love and splendor and You need no building! I am so grateful for all that You are, and all that You have done in my life! Thank You Jesus! I am not worth such love. I worry. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
