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!

Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared.  This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

After rebuilding the walls, Ezra and Nehemiah had a great church service.  They brought out the book of the Law of Moses and began reading it to all who had gathered inside the walls near a high wooden platform built for this sacred occasion.  Ezra the priest mounted the platform and those who would help with translation stood with him.   When he opened the Book, all the people stood in reverence.  (Nehemiah 8:4-5)  Ezra praised the Lord and the people responded with “Amen! Amen!” and bowed in worship.  As the word was read, the teachers instructed the people and made the meaning clear to them.  The people began to understand what God had said and how they had failed to follow God’s word.  This triggered emotions and conviction in the people and many began to weep and mourn.

Why did Nehemiah tell the people not to grieve and weep before the Lord?  I thought that repentance was needed and that God would be pleased to see them with broken hearts for their sins.  Godly sorrow that leads to true change is commended in Scripture.  (2nd Corinthians 7:8-11)  Nehemiah actually sent the people away to enjoy choice food and sweet drinks and share with those who didn’t have any.  He told them that the joy of the Lord would be their strength!  (Nehemiah 8:9-10)

Joy always follows true understanding of the grace and mercy of God.  Joy is the result of God’s mercy being revealed to us as a gift to be received by faith.  As the people understood God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness for them, they could celebrate as people who were forgiven.  The Book of the Law revealed this mercy and love of God.  They could celebrate it’s restoration to their lives and to the lives of their children.

Joy is a fruit of the Spirit of God.  (Galatians 5:22)   New Testament believers can enjoy the Lord’s promise of joy as a fruit of abiding in Him and His word abiding in us.  When we understand God’s word and promises, the joy of the Lord becomes our strength!  The Holy Spirit comes into us upon our conversion and marks us internally.  We have God’s law written on our hearts and the Spirit gives us understanding of God’s word.  We can have this same joy for our strength, too!  “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13