Read: Ezra 3:8-13
Many . . . old men who had seen the first house, wept. (v. 12)
If a hurricane destroys buildings, rebuilding efforts begin. When the exiles returned to Jerusalem, the city was in ruins, and a jumbled pile of stones marked where the temple once stood. Their first priority was to rebuild the altar and construct the temple so they could restore worship to God.
Reactions were mixed when the foundation of the temple was laid. Some rejoiced, but others, “who had seen the first house, wept” (v. 12). King Solomon had built the former temple employing more than 100,000 laborers and using expensive cut stone, artfully carved timbers, and gold overlay. The ark of the covenant, which had been in the temple and symbolized God’s presence, was lost. When storms in our life radically change our landscape, it’s natural to grieve knowing that whatever gets built won’t duplicate the past. And some precious things can never be replaced.
The exiles’ own sweat, resources, and dedication would be required to build the modest temple. But God saw something far grander than a structure. God saw his people coming back to him and desiring his presence. When we rebuild after a life-storm of change renders our previous way of life uninhabitable, we grieve over what lies in ruins. But we can take heart. Ephesians 2:19-22 tells us that when we have Jesus as our “cornerstone,” we are being built together as “a dwelling place for God.” He is building us into a far grander temple than what was lost.
As you pray, take comfort in knowing God is building you into his holy temple.
About the Author
Donna M. Harold is retired from a career in accounting and consulting and lives in Tampa, Florida, with her husband and two cats. She serves as treasurer for her church, creates and facilitates Bible studies, and enjoys writing, mosaicking, and quilting.
