Ezra 3:2-6
Then Joshua son of
Jozadak and his
fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his
associates began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt
offerings on it, in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses the man of
God. 3 Despite
their fear of
the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed
burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices. 4 Then
in accordance with what is written, they celebrated the Festival of Tabernacles with the
required number of burnt offerings prescribed for each day. 5 After
that, they presented the regular burnt offerings, the New Moon sacrifices
and the sacrifices for all the appointed sacred festivals of the Lord, as well as
those brought as freewill offerings to the Lord. 6 On
the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, though the foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid.
- The proclamation of God through King Cyrus was for men to arise and build a temple for HIM in Jerusalem.
- Jerusalem was desolate, abandoned, the men were fearful of the people around; the city walls and gates in ruins; notwithstanding that the first action for the men was to build an altar. The natural man may have focused first on rebuilding the city walls to protect themselves.
- They searched the scriptures and found what was written in the Law of Moses. Leviticus 1-8 & 23
- They not only returned to the land, they also returned to the Law of Moses.
- The Bible was their final authority so that neither the ideas nor opinions of individuals factored into their decision on how to build the Temple.
- The focus must never first be how to protect and nourish our lives- the first port of call ought to be the ALTAR- the place of sacrifice; the place of communion; the place of rededication and repentance. The Word of God (JESUS) ought to be the final authority that dictates all we do.
- Let the hearts of our men return both to JESUS and HIS Word.
- Let JESUS (the Word) be the final authority in the lives of our men.
- Make our men those who search the scriptures, to find out what is written concerning them and help them pursue that instruction to the end.
- Open their eyes to see that putting their spiritual lives in order is of higher priority than national defence.
- Let our men enjoy the blessing of YOUR protection as they seek to put CHRIST first.
- Notwithstanding the fears; threats; logical sense; lack etc., help them focus on standing on the altar of the FULL GOSPEL.
- The altar symbolises sacrifice; a place of repentance, re-dedication & de-cluttering; and a place of communion. Bring these virtues to bear in a definite way in our men. The altar must not just become a formality for them.
- Cause the Word of God (JESUS), to dwell richly in their hearts such that HE prevails over the decision on how to build instead of individual ideas or opinions.
- In accordance with what is written, let our men arise and build- step into their labour and inheritance.
