Rebuilding altars, rebuilding attitudes

Ezra 3

God was not only restoring a temple when He stirred Ezra to lead the exiles, God was rebuilding the people. The project was not just a building; it was God’s power transforming a scattered people into becoming a powerful testimony of transformation. A testimony that ultimately fulfilled the coming of the Messiah, a Deliverer not exclusive to the Jewish people but inclusive to all who will believe by faith! When they rebuilt the altar, God also rebuilt attitudes. Altars and attitudes are linked! Those who worship God at the altar will graciously display a God-authored transformation... a kind of change that only Yahweh can do! Whatever God is asking you to do as ministry or project, watch the invisible hands of God molding you. Rebuilding altars take skilled workers; rebuilding attitudes needs the hand of a merciful God. Once God starts the rebuilding of your worship life, people see a testimony of transformed attitudes. As they rebuilt the broken altar which symbolized Israel’s deep spiritual decay, they displayed a remarkably attractive portrait of unity and selflessness. Rebuilt altars and rebuilt attitudes results in a transformed nation whose leader is God.

Here are my thoughts about God’s hand as seen in the ATTITUDES of those building the altar—6 God-transformed attitudes. As they were rebuilding the altar of God, God transformed the builders!

Display of Courage without provocation: v 3

Rebuilding altars in captivity is ‘rebellion’ . . . yet their attitude of rebuilding did not display a provocation to stir hate or to prove something. It was courage with a smile wrapped in a winsome display of grace. What a sight! What a testimony! What an opportunity to honor the Almighty—this is attitude.

Generosity amidst Adversity

No pressure No politics No pride

Just wholehearted giving for God’s glory! Pure, contagious, cheerful giving in times of economic inflation!

Joy In Captivity: v 6

The festivals observed were expressions of joy...rejoicing, not out of the situation they were in but from a solid faith that God’s mercy endures forever—a visible reminder of the invisible hope. Why do we close our eyes when we kiss or pray? Denzel Washington replies— because of sights seen with eyes closed…felt