Well ladies, we are in the 15th book of the Bible now; Ezra. What better way to start a Sunday than to learn of the return of some of the Jewish exile and the beginning of rebuilding the ruined temple while we ourselves are seeing the return of many and the rebuilding of Oak Hill. As we will see later in the chapter they was hindered by enemies, we to may be hindered but we are to remain strong.
In Cyrus' first year as King of Persia, he made a proclamation that said God had charged him to build Him a house in Jerusalem. So he sent the Israelites who had been held captive by Nebuchadnezar in Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. All of them together was 42,360 people, along with 7,337 maids and servants, 200 singers, and their animals. What a sight that must of been.
As the foundation was laid, musical instruments was playing and they sang together praises and thanks to the Lord, "because He is good, for His mercy endureth forever toward Israel." (3:11) The older men who had seen the first house wept with loud voices and many shouted with joy. Can you just imagine how they felt? Their hearts must of been overflowing with joy and happiness.
Our pastor has preached the last two Sundays on the church (Ekklesia). We have learned that the building is not the church but we the people are the church. Our bodies are the temple of God. When the Israelites was taken into captivity and the temple destroyed, many kept the faith. In the past couple of months, we have seen the devastation of tornadoes all around us. Church buildings was destroyed but the church (people) remained strong. They met in borrowed buildings and outside to sing praises and to worship God.
As our reading of the rebuilding of the temple co-insides with Pastor Chris' message of the church; I wonder, is God telling us, Oak Hill, to remain strong in our faith and to rebuild our own temple (body)?
Ms. Boots, what an absolutely wonderful take on the scripture for today. I needed to hear that "we may be hindered but we need to remain strong." I think God does want us as a church body (whether you are at Oak Hill or whatever church you attend) to remain strong in our faith and rebuild our body of believers or temple. Whether you've been through a rough time like us or not. I've felt Satan's minions playing the strings of my own issues lately...and I need to stand firm and resist them! Thank you for a wonderfully encouraging post!
ReplyDeleteThanks for a great post Mrs. Boots. I thought it was interesting that you mentioned that as the "foundation stone" was laid there was music and praise. That caught my eye as well. How important is our music and praise to the Lord!
ReplyDeleteDo you remember, ladies, when we built our present Sanctuary and how exciting it was and how overwhelmed we all felt at the beauty and excitement of having a new and larger place to worship. (Not counting the restrooms! LOL) I wasn't a member when you came from the little church on Lyndon to where we are now, but I'm sure it was the same feeling. Maybe more so. I know the people are the "church," but it is wonderful to have a glorious place to worship each week. My prayer is that we will fill it up to overflowing - and soon!!
I'm so excited to get open another book in the Bible!! :) Small confession??? ....I don't have anything "circled" in Ezra! I wonder what truths I'll find that I wonder how I ever lived without!??!? Thank you for sharing about reminding me about being "the church", and the message the Lord is sending. We've read so much about th messages he sends through the men of God, let's be careful to pay attention!!!
ReplyDeleteI believe in doing this blog and reading the Bible, we have all become more aware not only of what God is telling us in His word but also in the messages both in church and SS. I think God is amazing how many times He ties them all in together.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that comment Ms. Boots!!! I just LOVE it when God brings together the same theme or thought or lesson from different places in our lives!!! That is just SO NEAT and I LOVE IT!!! Ahhh...rebuilding...a lot of work but a time for renewal and refreshment. I am so thankful that our God is a God of second chances! I love the parallel to this time in the Israelites' lives and our lives at Oak Hill!!! Let's rebuild with a vengeance for our Lord!!!
ReplyDeleteThe labor of our rebuilding reaps huge rewards and benefits for eternity. God sees our hearts and minds in the rebuilding process at Oak Hill. We can either sit and wallow in pity or we can stand firm in Christ as He sees us through the process of rebuilding. In our Sunday School class I am always encouraged by the positive works of building up one another through words, and the non-verbal cues of hugs and smiles. The Lord sees the desires of our heart. The church is so much more than just a building and a place of worship. I am learning the church is us and our "marketplace". I am striving to reach people where they are in life ans share and witness to them about Jesus.
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