Getting home was just the beginning. Now the Israelites have to work and rebuild the Temple. It is interesting the mix of emotions the people have (check it out...Ezra 3:11-13) . I don't know how we might respond with that kind of outpouring at one of our services. We are so dedicated to bringing out the joy in people sometimes we keep them from being real. Personally, I think it would be tremendous because the "noise" would have the sweetness of honesty. Sunday night at our church's prayer service I was overwhelmed with my own mix of emotion. I was frustrated, confused, and angry, yet at the same time, joyed and hopeful. I'm glad we don't have to have things figured out. It is much easier to let go and be obedient! I also think it is interesting that in the midst of my confusion, I felt as though my heart was agreeing with God's. God is the only one I know who can be perfectly justified in his anger, yet remain perfectly steadfast in his love. That kind of conflict would eventually tear us apart. I guess, in a sense, it tore God apart as well as it prompted him to send his Son to the cross. On the cross we see God's love and anger reconciled. There is so much I don't understand, yet more than anything I'm grateful.
Back to Ezra...God's present temple, the Church (universal), is truly a thing of beauty. Yet I weep knowing it could be even more beautiful. I long for the church's apostolic beauty to shine again. I know it can. I believe it will.
4 comments:
one important verst is Haggai 2:5 where it says God's Spirit will be there. It also says Do Not Fear. I think we can use that in our situation with our Church. We do not know what will happen, but God will be with us and will guide us to where He wants us.
Reading from Nehemiah-- The people wept hearing the Word. Many had probably not heard scripture in a long time and some may have never heard. How fortunate we are to have the Bible at our figertips to read and study at any time.
Ezra and Nehemiah instructed the people to celebrate. As part of their celebration they were to share food with those who had none to prepare. The joy found in sharing!
Nehemiah 8 is one of my favorite passages in the Bible.
Is is interesting that in all the opposition the people were dealing with in Ezra 4 and 5, God was with them and still had their best interest in mind.
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