As One Man

Ezra 3:10-13

"And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments came forward with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD, according to the directions of David king of Israel. And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the LORD, "For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever 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. But many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers' houses, old men who had seen the first house, wept with a loud voice when they saw the foundation of this house being laid, though many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not distinguish the sound of the joyful shout from the sound of the people's weeping, for the people shouted with a great shout, and the sound was heard far away."

What an emotional day! Not only was Israel able to return from captivity, but they were rebuilding the temple.It says in v. 1 of this chapter that "The people gathered as one man to Jerusalem." God's calling had created great unity among them. They only wanted to see one thing accomplished and that was the restoration of the temple of God, a process that consumed their thoughts, labors, and emotions. What great joy they felt when the foundation was laid! Uncontainable! The sound of their shouting and weeping was heard far away. This was truly the sound of obedience, obedience to the plan of God!

Father,

Keep my heart united with yours and with those You call me to labor beside. Give me the joy of obedience.

In Jesus name,

Amen