Ezra 3:6-13

From the first day of the seventh month began they to offer burnt-offerings unto the Lord.

The full establishment of religious services precedes She building of the temple

A weighty truth is enshrined in this apparently incongruous fact. The worship itself is felt to be more important than the house in which it is to be celebrated (John 4:21). How vain is it, then, to treat the erection of churches as though it were a revival of religion! As surely as the empty seashell can never secrete a living organism to inherit it, a mere building--whether it be the most gorgeous cathedral or the plainest village meeting-house--will never induce a living spirit of worship to dwell in its cold desolation. Every true revival of religion begins in the spiritual sphere. (Walter F. Adeney, M. A.)

They gave money also unto the carpenters.

The preparations for rebuilding the temple

I. The great work yet to be accomplished. This illustrates--

1. The incompleteness of human joys.

2. The incompleteness of human works.

The altar was built, but the temple was not begun. The work of the earnest man is never accomplished. Even when death approaches, most men have much which they desire to accomplish. This incompleteness of our human works is also ordered wisely and well. It tends to prevent stagnation; to rouse to earnest activities, etc.

3. The obligation of the Church of God. The Jews at Jerusalem felt themselves bound not to rest content with the joys and blessings of the altar, but to proceed to the more arduous task of rebuilding the temple.

II. The prompt preparations for the accomplishment of this work. Two points claim attention--

1. The variety of service and the unity of design.

2. The co-operation of Jews and Gentiles.

Conclusion--

1. Are we “as living stones built up” in the spiritual temple of God? (1 Peter 2:4).

2. Are we also assisting to build this glorious temple? (1 Corinthians 3:10). (William Jones.)

The building of the temple

I. That difficulties ought not to discourage us in the Lord’s work. Paucity of numbers and feebleness of resources. Enemies.

II. The readiness of the people to give of their means unto the Lord (Ezra 2:68). Their first care was the house of God. Without homes of their own, their cities in ruins, with a thousand demands pressing upon them, they nevertheless provided first of all for the worship of the temple. How needful the lesson! God’s house before our own. God first and afterward self. This work first, and then our own.

1. They offered willingly. It was not the tithe which they were required by law to give. It was a free-will offering to God, and hence all the more acceptable (2 Corinthians 9:7).

2. They gave according to their ability. Proportionate giving as God has prospered us is one of the most pressing needs of the Church to-day. It is a duty as plainly enjoined as prayer and praise (Deuteronomy 16:17; 1 Corinthians 16:2).

III. The people were ready to work as well, as give. The Church needs willing workers even more than generous givers. Hearts and hands are always worth more than gold and silver.

1. They worked unitedly. The people laboured “as one” (margin). Their counsels were not divided. There were no jealousies, no personal ambitions to hinder the progress of the undertaking.

2. The work was systematically prosecuted. Zeal and energy were displayed, but without making them substitutes for intelligence and adaptation. One of the great needs of God’s people is appreciation of the advantages of systematic work.

IV. Thankful joy in the Lord’s service. The ancient men wept with a loud voice as they saw the foundation of the new house laid. Yet, after all, their weeping may have had nothing in it of the spirit of murmuring. Tears are ofttimes expressive of the deepest joy.

“There’s not a string attuned to mirth

But has its chord in melancholy.”

The joy that is touched with pain is the noblest of joys. The sweetest music is written in the minor key. Possibly the noise of their weeping was more grateful to God than the shouts of their younger companions. (Rufus S. Green, D. D.)

The second temple

I. The building of this temple was a visible and abiding testimony to man’s firm faith in the existence and power of the god of heaven. “The mystery of holy shrines,” says Kinglake, “lies deep in human nature. However the “more spiritual minds may be able to rise and soar, the common man, during his mortal career, is tethered to the globe that is his appointed dwelling-place; and the more his affections are pure and holy, the more they seem to blend with some sacred spot, that belongs to the outward and visible world?’ Temples tell us of one who is invisible. As Jacob set up an altar in the place where God talked with him and called the name of the place Bethel, so always men have erected memorial stones to commemorate their faith in God.

II. The temples and altars which man builds dignify a desire on his part for nearer and more constant communion with God. From the first God had revealed Himself as One who was ready to meet with His people, to draw aside the veil, at least in part, and commune with them from off the holy place. Outside the walls of Eden He appeared above the altar of Abel. Whenever, in later times, the patriarchs set up an altar and called on the name of the Lord, they expected that He would come and sanctify the spot by His presence. They were not disappointed. Enoch walked with Him; Noah built an ark under His direction; Abraham saw His day; to Jacob He appeared again and again; He talked with Moses and showed His glory to Isaiah; Elijah’s altar was touched with fire; to the whole people He showed a pillar of cloud and flame, and commanded them, saying, “Let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them,” and when it was finished, the shekinah appeared, God dwelt in the Holy of holies, and from off the fiery seat talked with His prophets and priests. Although under the Christian dispensation the idea of communion with God is ennobled, and the fellowship made more exalted and spiritual, so that Jesus Christ is now our true sanctuary and passover, still the old conception is not altogether abandoned. While the veil of the temple is rent in twain and every common bush is aflame with God, still there is a special blessing for those who meet together in the sanctuary. The place of worship is correctly spoken of as the “meeting house,” the meeting-house where man comes to meet his God.

III. The conduct of these temple buildings indicates determination and self-sacrifice. (Sermons by Monday Club.)