Read Ezra 2 – 5
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: 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 3:12-13 KJV
After many years in captivity the people of Israel were allowed to return under Cyrus king of Persia, and instructed to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. The day they finished relaying the foundation was marked by two contrasting emotions. For the young guys, who had never seen Solomon’s Temple, the laying of it was the most exciting moment of their lives. They were filled with excitement, hope for the future, and praises to God. But all the older men could think of was how things used to be. The Temple Solomon built was elaborate and glorious. This new one appeared like nothing in comparison. The way things used to be can leave us terribly vulnerable to discouragement and the attacks of the adversary; it dampens the spirits of the young, and keeps the old from looking ahead. We must always strive to forget the past, whether good or bad, and reach ahead to the future.
Lord, protect me from being trapped in the past. Help me to always look ahead to what you have for me next, that my sight might be focused on what You are going to do instead of what You used to do in my life.
