What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' dedication to rebuilding the altar? The Scene and the Verse Ezra 3:6: “On the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, though the foundation of the temple of the LORD had not yet been laid.” Why the Altar Came First – The altar was the place God Himself had appointed for atonement and fellowship (Exodus 29:38-42). – Sacrifice could restart immediately, while temple walls would take years. Worship couldn’t wait. – Rebuilding the altar shouted, “Our relationship with God is our top priority.” Lessons for Our Worship Today • Prioritize Presence over Projects – Israel offered sacrifices before laying a single stone. – We, too, must seek God first, before programs, buildings, or strategies (Matthew 6:33). • Obey the Pattern God Gives – They rebuilt “as it is written in the Law of Moses” (Ezra 3:2). – Authentic worship still follows God’s revealed pattern, not personal preference (John 4:24). • Offer Daily Devotion, Not Occasional Gestures – “Morning and evening” offerings resumed (Ezra 3:3-4). – Our living-sacrifice worship is meant to be continual (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15). • Courage in the Face of Fear – “They set the altar on its foundation, though they feared the peoples of the lands” (Ezra 3:3). – Faithful obedience often requires visible commitment even when culture opposes (Acts 4:18-20). • Unity Fuels Revival – Jeshua, Zerubbabel, the priests, Levites, and laity stood shoulder to shoulder (Ezra 3:1-2). – God’s people accomplish more together than in isolation (Ephesians 4:3). • Worship Rekindles Hope – Burnt offerings signaled forgiveness and fresh beginnings after exile. – Regular repentance and praise keep hearts soft and hopeful (Psalm 51:17; 1 John 1:9). Living It Out – Start each venture—family decisions, ministry plans, work goals—by seeking God first. – Let Scripture, not trends, dictate how you honor the Lord. – Build a rhythm of morning-and-evening surrender: brief prayer, a psalm, a whispered thanks. – Stand firm in public allegiance to Christ, even when it costs. – Guard unity; choose cooperation over competition among believers. – Remember: every act of sincere worship re-establishes the “altar” of fellowship, inviting God’s presence long before outward structures are complete. |
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