“The people of Israel … celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.” (Ezra 6:16)
Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa took 344 years to complete. The Panama Canal took 33 years to build.
It took 20 years to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. The people had fought delays and enemy accusations. They had endured exile. They worked under challenging conditions and stressful situations. But they built the house of God. Worship was at stake. God wanted a place to dwell with his people again.
The temple’s completion marked a new beginning for God’s people who had lived in exile in a foreign land. They were finally home. God was faithful, and his Word gave them confidence and stamina.
When the work was done, there was just one more thing to do — worship! The people spent seven days in celebration and worship. They realized that the work was done not because they were great builders. Everything was done by the strong arm and constant care of the Lord. Their complete joy centered on worshiping the Lord.
The Lord Jesus built salvation for us. He came into our broken world. He lived in our skin and embraced all of its pain and limits. He died on a cross to bring us access to the Father. He rose from the grave, putting death to death. Then he returned to heaven to prepare a place for us in the new heaven and earth, where all of life will be worship in God’s presence forever.
Prayer
Lord and Savior, we want to worship and serve you with all our soul, mind, and strength. Amen!
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
