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. – Ezra 3:12
Israel was on the brink of new beginnings. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
The Israelites had hit an all-time low in their relationship with God which had resulted in their exile. The Lord used king Cyrus of Persia, a pagan king to bring His people back. The Israelites return joyously. The second chapter of Ezra gives the detailed account of all those who returned from the exile, by name.
As soon as the people settle into their towns, they rebuild the altar to the Lord and offer sacrifices. Immediately after, they began the process of rebuilding the temple and gave generously to the work of the Lord. The temple was soon completed and ready. There were many new beginnings for the people of Israel.
However, to many of the old-timers, this new temple didn’t seem like much. They were comparing it to the former temple built by Solomon. And so, they wept. But the younger ones who had not seen the earlier temple rejoiced. But God used this new beginning to re-establish His people in their worship to Him.
We all, at some point in life, need new beginnings. We may have gone so far away from the Lord that we often wonder if it is even possible to return. Returning can sometimes be scary because you don’t want to risk another failure. And yet our God is a God of new beginnings. He waits with open arms to welcome His children back.
Would you return to the Lord today?
Lord, you know my heart like no one else. Forgive me, Lord, help me return to you I pray.
Extended Reading — Ezra 1-3
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