June 2
Read Ezra 3 -- 5
In Today's
Restoration of the altar and worship; rebuilding of
After returning to
It is recorded that many old men, when the foundation of this House was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy (3:12). Perhaps they were weeping over what might have been had they not ignored the prophets' warnings that continued sin would result in their destruction. Perhaps others rejoiced as they looked forward to the day when the
It is right for us to sorrow over our past sins which have brought the judgment of God upon us, just as the Israelites did. But, after repenting and forsaking our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (I John 1:9). We should not continue to grieve over past losses that blur opportunities for the present and the future, but we should thank the Lord for His mercy and grace. Nor should we glory in our past achievements and successes (see Romans 2:3). Daily we need to move on with our lives and join others in praising and giving thanks to the LORD (Ezra 3:11). The Apostle Paul reminds us: Forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, I press toward the mark (goal) for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:13-14).
A lesson we gain from these devout Israelites is that, as we seek to serve the Lord, we will face opposition (see John 15:18). During the rebuilding of the
Let us look ahead with confidence, not in ourselves, but in God and in the power of His might (Ephesians 6:10).
Christ Revealed:
Through the great (huge) stones used in building the
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 = discouraged and frightened; 5:10 certify = inform.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for BPM Staff: Letha Hash · Government Official: Rep. Michael Rogers (MI) · Country:
Optional
Memory Verse for the Week: II Timothy 4:4