Ezra 3:1-6
“Now when the seventh month came, and the sons of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered together as one person in Jerusalem.” (1) Returning to the land of their inheritance was a first step of their restoration. It was essential they leave their place of bondage to begin their journey to restoration. The next step was also crucial! We must never undermine the importance of GATHERING as one to worship God. This involved a rebuilding of the altar. Like Israel, we gather as one to worship at the altar of Christ’s sacrifice. After rebuilding the altar, burnt offerings were made on a regular basis fearing their opposition: “So they set up the altar on its foundation, because they were terrified of the peoples of the lands; and they offered burnt offerings on it to the LORD, burnt offerings morning and evening.” (3) Burnt offerings were totally consumed for the Lord. Before construction of the temple began: “They also celebrated the Feast of Booths, as it is written,…” (4a). Leaving behind bondage, gathering for selfless worship, and celebrating Who God is as seen in what God did for them, enabled them to overcome their fears and move on to what God had for them. Let us learn from these healthy firsts for an awesome return to being restored to our inheritance of righteousness, peace and joy!