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Though fear [had come] upon them because of the people of those countries, they set the altar on its bases; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, [both] the morning and evening burnt offerings. They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles, as [it is] written, and [offered] the daily burnt offerings in the number required by ordinance for each day. Afterwards [they offered] the regular burnt offering, and [those] for New Moons and for all the appointed feasts of the LORD that were consecrated, and [those] of everyone who willingly offered a freewill offering to the LORD. From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the LORD, although the foundation of the temple of the LORD had not been laid. Ezra 3:3-6 NKJV
You might think that the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, which was prophesied by Jeremiah and supported by no fewer than three Persian kings, would be simple. But it wasn’t. The local pagans worked tirelessly to slow the project, bribing officials and sending false information to the king.
But the returning Israelites were not deterred because their heart was in the work. They rebuilt the altar before they rebuilt the temple foundation and walls so they could immediately obey the full Word of God.
If your heart is to follow God, it doesn’t mean you won’t face opposition, but it does mean you won’t allow fear to stop you.
Prayer: Great King, fill my heart with resolve to do all Your will despite opposition.
You might think that the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, which was prophesied by Jeremiah and supported by no fewer than three Persian kings, would be simple. But it wasn’t. The local pagans worked tirelessly to slow the project, bribing officials and sending false information to the king.
But the returning Israelites were not deterred because their heart was in the work. They rebuilt the altar before they rebuilt the temple foundation and walls so they could immediately obey the full Word of God.
If your heart is to follow God, it doesn’t mean you won’t face opposition, but it does mean you won’t allow fear to stop you.
Prayer: Great King, fill my heart with resolve to do all Your will despite opposition.
