What was missing for Ezra? What was missing for the Israelites during their time in exile?
Who was your first love?
Who is your first love at the present moment?
Supporting Scripture: Luke 14:26 (ESV)
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Supporting Scripture: Revelation 2:4-5 (ESV)
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They were missing their first love.
Before they rebuilt the second temple, they did two things that were highly, highly significant.
The first thing they did was rebuild the altar of sacrifice.
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Supporting Scripture: Ezra 3:1-3 (ESV)
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Why did they rebuild the altar before they rebuilt the temple?
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The second thing the exiles did that was critically important was keep the Feast of Tabernacles.
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Supporting Scripture: Ezra 3:4 (ESV)
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#1 – or in the Jewish month of Nisan, the first month of the Jewish year which is in March or April.
#2 – or in the Jewish month of Sivan which is in May or June.
#3 – or in the Jewish month of Tishri which is in September or October.
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Supporting Scripture: Nehemiah 8:13-17 (ESV)
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Supporting Scripture: Leviticus 23:39-43 (ESV)
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We need to remind our generation of two important truths we’ve lost over time: (1) some things you do because God said so. Period. End of Discussion. It isn’t up for debate, and (2) without faithful observance of God’s Word, we soon forget all that God has done to redeem us through Jesus Christ.
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Did you know that one day, according to the Word of God, you, too, will celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles?
Supporting Scripture: Zechariah 14:16 (ESV)
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The invitation: Keep your first love your first love.
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Here are some discussion questions focused on Ezra 3:8-11, exploring themes of legacy and worship:
- Historical Context: What do you think the significance of rebuilding the temple was for the exiles returning to Jerusalem? How does this act relate to their legacy?
- Generational Differences: In verses 10-11, we see different reactions from the people. What do you think the older generation’s perspective on the new temple might have been, and how does that contrast with the younger generation’s perspective?
- Worship Practices: How does the act of laying the foundation and the associated worship reflect the people’s understanding of their identity and relationship with God?
- Legacy of Worship: In what ways can we ensure that our worship practices today honor both our heritage and the needs of future generations?
- Emotional Responses: The text describes a mix of shouting and weeping during the foundation’s laying. How can these contrasting emotions coexist in the context of worship? What does this reveal about the complexity of legacy?
- Personal Reflection: How do you view your own legacy in relation to worship? What traditions or practices do you hope to pass down to future generations?
- Community Aspect: What role does community play in the act of worship as described in this passage? How can a community’s collective worship impact its legacy?
- Challenges of Rebuilding: What challenges do you think the Israelites faced in rebuilding the temple? How can these challenges relate to our own efforts to honor legacy and worship today?