It’s interesting to me that in the book of Ezra when
the foundations of the second temple were laid, the Bible says that some of the
people rejoiced and shouted praises to God, but older people—the ones who had
seen the former glorious temple of Solomon—wailed aloud because they did not
see how this temple was as wonderful as the last (Ezra 3). The mingle of joy
and sorrow was heard from far away.
It is almost a humorous yet puzzling moment for the
people of Israel. Can you imagine the glances exchanged between those who were
weeping over the past and those who were ecstatic about the present and the
future? There might have been a bit of confusion in the mix. Maybe some could
not decide how they felt—going from screaming with joy to crying, shattering
with shouts of delight, then weeping.
The most dreadful incident happens next—all of their
work is halted by those who opposed their righteous pursuits. The Bible says
their enemies (the Samaritans) actually guided people to discourage them and wrote
letters to the officials to terminate their work. And yes, the people of Israel
had to stop the building—not for 1 year or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 years… but for
FIFTEEN YEARS.
HOWEVER—this is a HUGE HOWEVER—When King Darius came
into power, he gave back to Israel the right to establish the temple. Here is
the miracle: “The enemies of the Jews, in
appealing to Darius, hoped to get an order to suppress them, but, instead of
that, they got an order to supply them.” SUPPLY them is RIGHT! They
ended up with more supplies than they ever intended to have. They were
completely restored.
Now, let’s go back for a moment. We
have seen the end result—the miracle—but let’s stand in the moments of those
who wept with sorrow. One commentator (Matthew Henry) states
that those who wept “… despised the day of small
things, and were unthankful for the good they enjoyed.”
The Israelites saw the rebuilding of the temple as
their calling—this was how they wanted to give honor to God. Those who wailed
seemed to exchange the glory of their humility for superficial designs of the
temple. This account has several lessons in it: but I want to remind you that what
seems outwardly small in your life, God can make fabulous down the road (even
15 years later).
From this historical account, we
can decide who we want to be—the ones who mourn or the ones who celebrate. It
is tempting to sway between what we think our callings should look like and
what wonderful current thing God is trying to do for us and through us. Many
times I think we get caught up in the outward appearance of what is happening
in our lives, instead of having that radiant heart of honor behind every deed
(even the small ones).
Who are you in this story?
1. Maybe
you are feeling sad about the progress in your call to serve God. If that is
you, I want to encourage you to chin up! Look up to the hills where your help
comes from, and do not be discouraged. God holds YOUR TIME in his hands. Psalm
121: 1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from 2 My
help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
2. Maybe
you are the one having your progress halted by evil attempts. If that is you, I
want to encourage you that God NEVER FAILS and he has a constant eye on his
work through you. Psalm 121: 3 He will
not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber;4 indeed,
he who watches over
Israel will
neither slumber nor sleep..
5 The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your
right hand 6 the sun will not harm you by
day, nor the moon by night.
3. Maybe
you are the one already rejoicing over the small things. If that is you, do not
be discouraged if opposition soon approaches. You know that the enemy prowls
around looking for someone to devour, but you do not have to be afraid. Psalm 121: 7 The Lord will keep you from
all harm—he will watch over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your
coming and going both now and forevermore.
“As for God, his work is perfect;
it may be slow work, but it will be sure to work.” (Matthew Henry).
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