The Rebuild

Ezra

Some of the Israelites have just come back to their land after being in exile for the past 70 years. They come back with a mission to rebuild the temple. Once the temple foundation was laid they worshiped just like they had for the first tabernacle (Leviticus 9) and the first temple (1 Kings 8) but this time, there was no fire or cloud that came down from heaven to signify God would dwell with His people. Even when the temple was finished, there was no sign like this (Ezra 6). For those who had not experienced the first temple dedication there was joy in the finished work. For the elders there was deep grief (so much so they wept). This rebuild was not like the past and it affected their hope for their future.

I can only imagine the pain of expecting God’s presence to show up like I had seen before and then it not. But the temple was never the final place that God would dwell with His people. It was always pointing toward His new Kingdom, the one to come where there will be no more tears. In fact, God will be the one to wipe them away (Revelation 21:3-4)! The start of this Kingdom began when Jesus came into the world, died, rose again, and was raised in glory. He brought us back into a right relationship with our Father until we get to dwell with him for all eternity. This is our hope! Find joy in this today!

Prayer:

Father, would we believe so deeply that we will one day be in Your presence for all eternity that we can’t help but sing, dance, worship, and exude a deep joy to those around us. Remind us that You are faithful and keep Your promises.

Question to Consider:

What have you put your hope in that has not been what you thought it would be? How can you shift your gaze to the One who our hope should be in?