THE INVENTORY. Ezra 1:7-11 To rebuild what was once a place of glory probably won't happen the same way it did at the beginning. But God is not limited; He can use anyone He chooses, starting with a pagan king who still has a conscience. Through him, he can call others—the people of God—to leave their current work and go build again to rebuild the place where God dwells with His chosen people. There they were to rebuild in the same location, with leadership and those whom God's Spirit has raised up to see beyond the present, and to dedicate themselves to a work that will honor God’s name; to restore so that God’s people will worship once more in Spirit and in Truth – in ways that truly please Him.
Are there those willing to go back and truly start over? By giving up what pleases them and seeking to recover the truths that set apart those who gather in His name alone. Are there those who will answer the call of their conscience and come to rebuild once again, grounded in the scriptures that guide—and in the Holy Spirit’s direction, which dwells in each believer? When we know something is right and needs to be done, we shouldn't wait. A leader's actions set an example for those who follow. The chief leaders need to be prepared and willing to take responsibility for the enterprise.
Some people responded immediately to Cyrus’ decree. Sheshbazar and Zerubbabel stepped into their leadership roles in this new venture. Priests were ready to serve as representatives of the people to God and to lead them in scriptural worship. Levites were present to perform service roles as designated by God and to be accountable for all gifts received to fund the work. There was genuine commitment from all whose hearts God moved to follow Zerubbabel and Joshua's leadership.
The night Belshazzar, king of the Chaldeans, held a feast and was using the vessels of gold and silver from the temple to drink wine was the night he was killed. The Persians had put these articles away for safekeeping, and now Cyrus sent them back to Jerusalem, where they belonged. The value of these items must have been such that Cyrus realized they should only be used for the purpose for which they were made. The vessels of the Lord that were in the temple and had been carried to Babylon were brought out of the idol's temple and sent back to Jerusalem, where they belonged.
Because the Jews had no idols that conquerors could carry away, the vessels and tools used in spiritual service had been taken—and now were returned. The vessels for the house of God were all that remained of temple worship. Believers today are vessels in the house of God to be used in whatever service God appoints for them. We are to be vessels in the house of God, sanctified, and meet for the Master's use, and prepared unto every good work." Worship is evidence of restoration.