Dear Friends,

READ EZRA 3:1 THROUGH 5:17

Sherry knew joy on her wedding day, but she also shed tears since her father had died recently and she walked down the aisle alone. Tears for the past and joy for the present are what God’s people experienced during construction of the second temple.

But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy. (Ezra 3:12)

Tears came when older people remembered what the temple meant to them, but others responded with joyful exuberance at the rebuilding. Their poignant and jubilant response was appropriate for the new hope they all felt.

Christians also can feel both joy and sadness as they remember their relationship with God. There is joy in reflecting on His love and grace, but possibly tears at remembering the price Jesus Christ paid so believers can experience this new relationship with God.

Thought for Today: As the Psalmist said, “weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).