Ezra was a priest who God raised up to lead in the restoration of spiritual worship in a rebuilt temple.  This book records the return of God’s people to rebuild the temple after the seventy years of captivity.  God’s promise of a return became a  reality under Cyrus, king of Persia.  As we look into this window of the history of God’s people we can get a glimpse of the Lord’s temple building in our own day!

Cyrus, king of Persia, was called by God to send His people back to rebuild their temple.  The decree of Cyrus is recorded in Scripture as a record of God’s faithfulness to His promises and people.  Cyrus knew God as the “God of heaven.”  (Ezra 1:2-4)  He also knew that he was appointed by this God to rebuild the temple.  He asked for willing volunteers and givers to supply the needs for this temple.  God wants people who will act by faith and freely surrender! Cyrus, himself, surrendered 5400 articles of gold and silver taken originally from the house of God to Babylon. (Ezra 1:11)

Scripture records that nearly 50,000 people volunteered to be in the rebuilding party.  The priests Jeshua and Zerubbabel led the people in restoring the altar and offering sacrifices.  They celebrated the feast of Tabernacles as prescribed in the Law of God.  The people were filled with generosity and gave freewill offerings to the Lord.

The next step was to lay the foundation stone of the temple.  The priests were all properly chosen and dressed for this joyous occasion.  Trumpets were blown and cymbals crashed as the people  sang with thanksgiving to the Lord: “He is good; His love to Israel endures forever!” Ezra 3:11  The people shouted and praised the Lord.  However, some who were older and remembered the former temple wept aloud.  There were mixed emotions on this special day!

As we contemplate this scene, we remember the building of the “new temple” of God, the church.  Jesus was the chief cornerstone!  (Ephesians 2:20)  It would be built by those who would freely give themselves to God for His work.  It would be built by freewill offerings in response to Christ’s great love!  As the foundation is laid, some who are looking to the past weep.  Others rejoice at what the Lord is doing today!  The work goes on with mixed emotions!