TEARS AND SHOUTS

 

Wednesday, October 26, 2022

 

TEARS AND SHOUTS

 

Ezra 3:11-13

11 And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid.

12 But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy:

13 So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people: for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard afar off.

 

          Time is an interesting thing when viewed from the middle. If I said the name Mitsubishi, some might grow quiet or even angry while others might simply think of a nice new car. Why is this? Perhaps because Mitsubishi zeros bombed pearl harbor so long ago that only ancient men remember it and now, Japan is our friend building automobiles.

 

          The ancient men saw that the glory had departed from Israel. They thought that it was impossible to build a temple to rival their first. The best that “these new kids” could construct would still be inferior. They had seen the ark, Aaron’s rod that budded, and the heavenly fire.

 

          The young men had much to shout about. Their battle was over, they had been restored to their land, and could freely worship their God within the walls of their very own city.

 

          Consider that today is only a snapshot. Whatever is happening whether a shout or tears, will pass. Dr. Warren Wiersbe commented that: “It's unfortunate when the unity of God's people is shattered because generations look in opposite directions.”

 

Dear Lord, help me to see things as You see them. AMEN