Home at Last!

Read Ezra 3:1–6:22

1. In early autumn, when the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people assembled in Jerusalem with a unified purpose.
2. Then Jeshua son of Jehozadak joined his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel with his family in rebuilding the altar of the God of Israel. They wanted to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, as instructed in the Law of Moses, the man of God.
3. Even though the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the altar at its old site. Then they began to sacrifice burnt offerings on the altar to the Lord each morning and evening.
4. They celebrated the Festival of Shelters as prescribed in the Law, sacrificing the number of burnt offerings specified for each day of the festival.
5. They also offered the regular burnt offerings and the offerings required for the new moon celebrations. Ezra 3:1-5

You turn the key, open the door, and enter the vacant house. “Ahh,” you say with sincere pleasure, inhaling the stale and stuffy air, “Home at last!” You plop down on the couch and relax for the first time in two weeks. After an exhausting time away, it’s good to be back home!

The Jews know what this feeling is like. They are glad to be home, glad to have returned from exile in Babylon to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. There will be a lot to do, with planning, clearing the area, getting materials, and starting the work. But before they begin, they have some important business to take care of—“first things first” you might say. As you read, learn a lesson from the Israelites’ priorities.

As the Israelites unpack, note also their lessons on avoiding partnerships with unbelievers; when (and how) to resist opposition; when (and how) to speak up for what is right; and God’s sovereignty over even the most powerful people on earth.

Almost immediately after arriving in their homeland, the returning exiles built an altar (Ezra 3:1-3). The people began worshiping God through sacrifices even before the Temple foundations were laid. After many years in captivity, they had learned their lesson—God was their source of strength and success. Their parents and grandparents had been carried off by the Babylonians when they were relatively strong; this group was few, weak, and surrounded by enemies. They knew that they needed to rely on God’s power.

Regardless of our good health and prosperity, God is our source of strength and help. We need to depend on him and make worshiping him our top priority. Make time for worship, even when you are very busy and tired. Submit to the Lord and depend on him to work through you.