Ezra 3:1. “And when the seventh month was come, and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.” TOGETHER AS ONE.
Even though they had been captives and now were back home; Those from other countries were resentful that they had come. But fear is a legitimate emotion that can have good effect. It can draw people together as one to protect Not only themselves but the work to which they are called. Those who oppose God’s people are often appalled By the thought there is a God to which they are accountable. And they fear such a One whose person is redoubtable.
The tension prompted by fear also makes God’s people consider The importance to carefully carry out all God wants us to render. When we gather as one our offerings and worship to give; We help each other fulfill God’s purpose with spiritual gifts. Those complete the full spectrum God has always intended To bring out the beauty of holiness when these gifts are blended. In this way the work of God goes steadily forward Bring a completed work for God as the final reward.
Laying a good foundation is reason for great rejoicing. There will be no doubt older people who will be voicing Their remembrances of wonderful days in the past, And hoped time would stop and those good times would last. There is a certain realism we have to face, and then bring What we have in our hands, and then we can sing Along with the young and old as to our God we praise What we see at the present and in faith His house we raise.
“Thou didst hear the sound of joy from Thy people in the past. Even then there was sadness at what was lost. Some of us who are older recall times in the past when there was great rejoicing in places where the house of God was being built. However, I know many of the younger believers who don’t remember that, find rejoicing in the present as Thou dost save one here and there. Help me to have, and share, genuine joy with them. I pray in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”