THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezra 1-3
“No one could distinguish the sound of joy from the sound of weeping.” (Ezra 3:13)
After 50+ years of living as exiles in Babylon, the Jews are free to return home.
Those who do return begin the rebuilding project, with tears of joy and sadness.
Joy because of the rebuilding, but sadness for the memory of the former temple.
The temple was going to be again, but not like it used to be.
I’m trying to relate to these emotions of joy and sadness mixed together.
As Jesus followers, we are joining Jesus in rebuilding God’s creation kingdom.
We are restoring people, healing the broken and freeing those in bondage.
We are discouraging the discouraged, and walking with the lonely.
In this work, we experience both joy and sorrow, success and sadness.
Little breakthroughs are wonderful, but still so far from our original glory.
Feeding someone who is hungry can bring a smile to our face.
But seeing their ongoing condition of poverty or mental illness brings tears.
We are rebuilding God’s temple with tears of joy and sadness.
But also with hope, for one day all will be restored to its creation glory!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You wept when You raised Lazarus, even though You raised Him back to life. May we share Your tears of sadness for what is wrong, and Your determination to make it right!
The Lord moved the heart of Cyrus. The king recognized the gifts he had received from the Lord God. He helps the people build the temple in Jerusalem.
God uses the leaders His wonders to perform and they in turn also recognize their tasks as leaders. Do we recognize where our help comes from? It is my prayer that each day anew I realize His presence in my life. And I also pray that the leaders of the nations may also realize that their power and strength is not in their popularity or armies or wealth but a gift from God to do His will. God moves in mysterious ways His wonders to perform. Open my eyes Lord that I may see You in this world of turmoil and unrest, still seeing that this is Your Kingdom and You are still using people to restore it until You come again.
God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.
Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sov’reign will.
Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.
His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flow’r.
Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.