Main Idea: The God whose steadfast love endures forever is worthy of our worship.
A Look at the Text:
After the exiles returned to Jerusalem, it was time to rebuild. We saw in yesterday’s text that they began to take up freewill offerings for the temple (Ezra 2:68-69). For remember, when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem, the temple was burned to the ground (2 Kings 25:9).
Now, the returning exiles were going to rebuild. First, they rebuilt the altar of burnt offerings that would be situated in the courtyard of the temple (Ezra 3:2). Then, immediately, they put the new altar to use. They resumed the daily offerings and the feasts as they were appointed (Ezra 3:4-5).
Then, the following year, they began to rebuild the temple itself, laying its foundation (Ezra 3:8-10). In response, the priests came forward with great celebration, praising Yahweh, their God:
“For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel” (Ezra 3:11).
The temple rebuilding was a time for great celebration, but the older generation also wept because it didn’t compare to the former glory of Solomon’s temple (Ezra 3:11-13).
Bringing it Home:
God is worthy of our worship.
The Old Testament is filled with accounts where the people would worship God because His steadfast love endures forever. God’s love is a covenant-keeping, faithful love that weathers every storm. It remains faithful, even when His people are faithless. It is a love that, ultimately, in Christ Jesus, is a love that nothing in all of creation can separate us from (Rom. 8:38-39).
In light of God’s loving nature and the expression of His love with many blessings, we ought to worship Him. Yet, let us remember that worship which truly honors God honors His commands. As the Lord Jesus Himself once said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15).
While the people of Israel were exiled for their idolatry, the returning exiles were sure to do things by the book, as it were.
They rebuilt the altar “as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God” (Ezra 3:2). They were keeping the Feast of Booths “as it is written” (Ezra 3:4) and offered the offerings “according to the rule” (Ezra 3:4). They kept the feasts that were appointed (Ezra 3:5). They praised God, “according to the directions of David king of Israel” (Ezra 3:10).
Their love wasn’t just shown in gladness and song. It was shown in obedience and covenantal commitment to the God who brought them home.
Let us then, in a similar manner, issue worship freely and gladly to God until He calls us home. Yet, let us ensure that our worship isn’t in word only, but is also in deed.
He is worthy of both.
Challenge:
Do I separate worship from obedience?