Crossroads Church

SOAP = Scripture Observation Application Prayer
 

S: Ezra 3:11-12 With praise and thanks, they sang this song to the Lord:“He is so good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever! Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s Temple had been laid. But many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation. The others, however, were shouting for joy.

O: Ezra, among other things, chronicles the rebuilding of the Temple. It’s a big deal as the Jews are returning captivity in Babylonia. As the foundation of the Temple is being rebuilt, everyone is so thankful and recognizes God’s faithfulness to the Israel. Until the older generation, who had witnessed the first Temple see the foundation….then they weep. There are different theories as to why they weep, but their reaction is striking to me. They are not weeping for joy.

A: This story is a good reminder for me. In church,(or home, or work, or neighborhood associations!) it can be hard to get everyone to agree on things. In fact, it can cause great heartache and pain as people see things differently and through a different lens. What one person views as important may not get done. We all will fail at some things. Finding a place where everyone agrees and experiences the same feelings is almost impossible.

But it’s important to remember what came just before the differences…everyone praised the Lord! When we choose to praise God and focus on the big picture, the other things will become bearable. Even with failure, weeping, or disappointment, God has saved us. He is faithful to us and His love endures forever!

P: God, thank you for loving me and for remaining faithful even though I don’t deserve it. Please help me to remember to praise you through the storms in my life and keep my focus on you. Amen.

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