In many cities, construction of new buildings is often seen as a nuisance that causes traffic delays and forces cars to navigate through tight rows of orange cones. Yet the same buildings that cause criticism while being built are often celebrated when they are complete. Some even hold ribbon-cutting ceremonies to mark the occasion, proving it is much easier to celebrate the finished product than the process involved.
When the Jewish prisoners of Babylon, held captive for nearly 70 years, returned home to Jerusalem, they immediately began to resurrect the city that had been destroyed. Inspired by God, King Cyrus decreed that the people return to rebuild the temple of “the God of Israel” (Ezra 1:1-3). Many of them were returning to a place they only knew through stories, while a few returned to the home they loved and remembered.
Rebuilding the temple was a massive undertaking, but the Israelites continued to worship throughout the entire process. They worshiped God through sacrifice, generosity, work, remembering what He had done, and through music by singing praises to Him with gratitude in their hearts.
When the foundation of the temple was complete, all the people erupted in praise. They sang, played music, and worshiped God with their voices. Scripture says their combined voices created a sound that could be “heard far away.” As you pray this week, thank God for walking with you through every season of your life. Ask for a heart of worship that can be “heard far away” so that your worship will reflect God’s glory to others.
