Our verse of reference in Ezra 3 is:
“With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever. And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.” (Ezra 3:11 NIV).
Challenge for today
Can we list everything that God has done in our lives and give Him praise?
Reflection
Historical commentary.- The altar of the Lord was one of the first things to be rebuilded, the people erected an altar where the ancient altar in the temple courtyard had been. The erection of the altar for burnt offerings encouraged the faithful few who remained. The workers engaged in preparing the building materials found between the ruins some of the huge stones that had been the site of the temple in Solomon’s time. The refurbishing of old materials and the new materials provided helped the work to progress and quickly place the cornerstone. This was done in the presence of many thousands who had gathered to watch the progress of the work and to express their joy for having a part in it. As he was laying the cornerstone, the people, accompanied by trumpets and cymbals praised with the sons of Asaph, “they sang, praising and giving thanks unto the LORD, and said: He is good, because His mercy is forever with Israel. ” PR 418.
God is good.- The people of Israel says to God: We praise you because you are good. – Although God punishes us by withdrawing His protection, He allows Satan to destroy us. Your personal experience can lead you to say that God is good? What would become of me if you had not forgiven me? Where would we be today if you had not reached us? We would have a hole in our hearts, wander aimlessly the world with no direction, if it was not for your grace and your love.
God’s love endures forever.- The people of Israel sang to God because his love is eternal. Because of this love, they had returned to the promised land and they were worshiping in the same place where Abraham was willing to sacrifice Isaac, in the same place where Solomon had built the temple. Do we feel the love of God in our lives? Then praise Him, because His love endures forever, amen.
Prayer
Heavenly Father we praise you, because in your mercy, despite of our mistakes, you show us that you love us. We thank you because you are good with us and your love endures forever. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Heavenly Father we praise you, because in your mercy, despite of our mistakes, you show us that you love us. We thank you because you are good with us and your love endures forever. In the name of Jesus, amen.
By Dr. Franz Rios and Pablo J. Rios.