KEY VERSE: “But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy” (Ezra 3:12).
TEXT: Ezra 3:8-13 (KJV)
8 Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the Lord.
9 Then stood Jeshua with his sons and his brethren, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, together, to set forward the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brethren the Levites.
10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.
11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.
12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:
13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.
MESSAGE:
The impression of “the good old days” is usually associated with the thought that things used to be better than they are presently. It is a mental reflection of the images and events of a pleasant past, compared to a real or perceived unpleasant present. It is certain that civilisation and new developments continue to make the present different from the past. The ‘good old days’ is also relative, as not everyone may consider a particular time as good.
The nostalgic memories of the past come into focus in our text. In the second year of their return from captivity to Jerusalem, Zerubbabel and other returnees set to work in the house of the Lord to rebuild the temple. With appropriate division of labour to handle the different aspects of the work, the foundation was laid, and the people rejoiced greatly, giving thanks to God. However, the priests and elders who were witnesses to the previous foundation when it was laid, wept and rejoiced simultaneously. Both the weeping and rejoicing were in appreciation of God for the rebuilding of the temple.
While we remember past exploits and breakthroughs, especially in the household of faith, we must appreciate God for what He is able to do through us in the new dispensation. The workmen in Zerubbabel’s time praised God aloud, not by muttering some inaudible words or display of needless gymnastics. Any praise worship devoid of transparent holiness is unacceptable to God.
The “good day” we must remember constantly is the day we became translated into God’s kingdom through Christ’s atoning blood. Our relationship with God must be polished for freshness daily as we march towards heaven.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Better to be forward looking, than be bogged down by ancient victories.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
2 Kings 5-6
Deeper Life Daily Manna was written by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
