RESPONSE FROM YOUNG PEOPLE. Ezra 3:10-11 Those who returned from Babylon understood they needed God’s presence among them, so they worked for Him. They used what they had for God's glory, gave all praise and thanks to Him, and worshipped Him. When work began on the foundation, there was joy among those who saw evidence of a long-delayed hope becoming real. There would be joy from seeing God's glory first visibly reflected in their labors. There would have been joy in establishing a place for His name.
First, there was a return to the word of God. They paid attention to what God said. Then, they built the altar. Next, they gathered the materials needed according to the plans, and finally, they began building the temple's foundation. What is so interesting and encouraging about that is that they were so enthusiastic and joyful. It seems like they were eager for the temple to be completed. This was different; this was a work for God, and they were a part of it.
When our attitude toward God is proper, we are motivated to serve Him with all our hearts. There are principles we have learned to follow, and the phrase "as it is written" is not just a casual statement but the foundation of the authority on which our practices depend. There would have been joy in God's goodness and mercy through the recovery and restoration of His people to Him, and now to His work.
As the workmen laid the foundation, the priests were present in their official roles, dressed in designated garments with trumpets. The singers praised God, and the cymbals sounded just as they did when David instructed the people hundreds of years earlier. There was praise and thanksgiving as they recognized they were working for God and could use their strength, skills, gifts, and talents to His glory.
Working for the Lord requires effort from everyone, with each person doing their part as God has equipped them. All are involved in the single goal—doing God's will. When we serve the Lord, no one seeks praise for themselves or their contribution, but they rejoice in what God accomplishes through the united and harmonious efforts of His people. We should be very grateful to participate in carrying out God's will in some work He has ordained.
The younger people who came from Babylon had never seen Solomon’s temple or experienced a dedication of a divinely appointed work. It would have been a thrilling experience for the young people, not only to see the start of a great project but also to participate in it. Labor for the Lord and praise to Him “for His wondrous work to the children of me” go well together.
God is glorified when a work of faith is initiated. We are engaged in such a work now and can rejoice in the preview of the glory that results from this work for God. When we are “striving together for the faith of the Gospel,” there is a strong bond of fellowship among believers, unity of purpose, a work of faith, a labor of love, and holy patience as we await the sure hope of the Lord’s return at the church’s completion. We have a part in building this church that the “gates of hell” cannot prevail against.
Despite Israel’s history of disobeying God, which led to the defeat of the kingdom, captivity, exile to a foreign land, and the destruction of the temple, Jerusalem, and its walls, God had not abandoned His people. His love patiently waited for the right time for them to return to the promised land. There was joy in the hearts of God’s people; God still loved them and remained faithful! He was keeping His promises. Praise to God is always fitting!
God has not changed at all, and He remains as faithful to us as He was to those in the past. Even when we fail, “He abides faithful” to us. We fall short of what He desires, stray from His guiding path, become complacent, and forget who we are and why we are still here. Yet, His love, mercy, and grace never change. He does not abandon us or hand us over to the enemies around us, but His mercy endures forever. He blesses us abundantly and continually shows signs of His unfailing love.