God’s Love For Israel

Synopsis     Ezra 3:9-4:6     6/9/2020 

 The Levites were placed in charge of the construction of the new Temple. And so, on the day that the foundation of the Temple was laid, they made a big ceremony. The priests put on their special robes and blew trumpets. And the musicians played cymbals and sang songs of praise to God. And all the people shouted with joy.  

However, at the same moment, some people in the assembly cried in sorrow.  Those who were old enough to have seen Solomon’s Temple were saddened because of the reduced glory of the Second Temple. As a result, there was a curious mixture of jubilation mixed with lament.   

The leaders of the surrounding communities were bothered that the Jews had returned. And they were especially frustrated that Israel was rebuilding the Temple. They viewed this as a threat to their power and authority. And so, they did whatever they could to frustrate Israel’s efforts to rebuild the Temple.   

His Love Endures Forever to Israel 

The people cried, “God’s love endures forever!” Israel interpreted the return of the exiles and the reconstruction of the Temple as a sign of God’s unfailing love. Accordingly, they rejoiced. 

His Love Endures Forever 

What is God’s sign of love to me?  

He gave His life to save me. He did not spare His own Son.  

By this I am saved. So, what more could I legitimately want? 

“What then shall we say to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but handed him over for us all, how will he not also give us everything else along with him?” Rom 8:31-32