10 And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites the sons of Asaph with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David king of Israel.
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. - Ezra 3:10-13
Dear Friends,
The building or rebuilding of the temple was a cause for shouting and weeping. Sometimes celebration is a mixture of both. We rejoice over what we have gained and weep over what we have lost. This is especially true during times of grief.
As I read the highlighted verses in Ezra chapter three I thought of this. It was hard for those listening from far away to distinguish the sounds coming from the temple. There was the noise of weeping and the loud shouts of joy mingled together.
Let us be mindful during this season that raised voiced during this season represent both joy and sorrow. Let us pray for those who shout through the tears as they remember loved ones who have passed away and yet they keep on building with their faith in Christ and the comfort of the Holy Spirit to sustain.
in Christ,
Sis. Stephanie
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