July 28, 2026

In Ezra 6, adversaries opposed the building of the temple. Today, we also face adversaries as we strive to build temples. Once the temples are finished, the adversary also attempts to hinder our temple worship by any means possible. However, if we follow the example of the Jews in their rebuilding of the house of the Lord, and acknowledge that "we are the servants of the God of heaven and earth", we will overcome anything attempting to thwart our temple worship.

Also, notice how the word "joy" is used multiple times in Ezra 6 when the Jews are finishing up the temple and worshipping. When our hearts are aligned to the will of God, going to the temple is a joyful experience. After all, don't we learn there that "man are that they might have joy"?