Ezra 3:11-13 "And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord, because He is good, for His mercy endures 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. 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. 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."
Chronicles give more geneology information which continues some in Ezra. Again, this confirms God's compelling interest in family history. Then in the 2nd chapter, toward the end as rebuilding begins and the foundation of the temple is laid--shouts of praise begin to sound.
The priests don their priestly garmens and trumpets are sounded as the shouts of praise begin to resound. Joy and praise is abundant. The beautiful temple Solomon had built was destroyed--but out of the rumble...repairs are begun. The masons are put to work--progress is made as the foundation, (the most important part of any building) is laid.
We can only assume that discouragement and sorrow has been prevalent throughout the years as Jerusalem and especially the temple lay in ruins. Now, with a surge of energy and hope rebuilding begins. The result is praise and shouts of joy.
I see one of the most amazing and thrilling parts of this chapter the fact that there remained elderly people and priests who had actually seen the splendor and glory of Solomon's original temple. Throughout the years as they clung to their trust in God to restore what had been stolen by the enemy...they lived to see the beginnings of restoration and rebuilding.
The shouts of joy and praise mingled with tears of wonder and nostalgia to the point that it was impossible to differentiate between the weeping and the shouting.
What a beautiful picture is portrayed here as the older Israelites see with their eyes prayers answered. God was faithful to Israel, despite their continued failings. God did not forget them or their prayers. He heard and restoration was beginning.
I recently read a beautiful blog byt Alycia Holston, "The Deadwood Forest" on crossrivermedia.com's blog. She refers to the devastation of the burned out forrests in Yellowstone National Park. I quote her: "As a Christian, there are seasons in life when trials rage like a wildfire. It burns and the smoke is so thick--it seems like we will never see the light of day." She brings out that after the smoke clears--new life begins to sprout forth.
Keeping our eyes upon Christ, despite the enemy's attacks--which are often brutal and devastating, we will be able to rise above the fray and begin to see what God can do with the "ashes and rubble" left.
God is so good and gracious. I'm so glad those old grandparents and great grandparents were among those rejoicing over the laying of the new foundation of the temple. I'm looking forward to restoration of everything the devil has attempted to destroy in our lives,our children's lives, our churches, and our nation.
I can't wait to join in the chorus of Praise and shouts of joy!!!!!
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