And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord:
“For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever toward Israel.”
Then all the people shouted with a great shout, when they praised the Lord because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. – Ezra 3:11 (NKJV)
I have recently celebrated the graduation of one of my Godchildren. This was a momentous time for not only the child but the entire family since he was the first university graduate in the family from both parents’ lineage.
Many of us have a life full of celebrations. Every year we celebrate our birthdays, anniversaries, special occasions and holidays. Not forgetting those milestones, such as graduations, getting a new job, getting a promotion, getting that long-awaited pay increase, or acquiring that plot of land for your new home.
God’s people had returned to their own land after seventy years of exile. They had worked hard preparing for the rebuilding of the temple of the Lord. And certainly, when they had completed the foundation for the new temple, it was a time for them to celebrate! Ezra writes that “with praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord.” (Ezra 3).
What can you celebrate today? Perhaps you got that job you long waited for or finally started that business. Maybe you got accepted to university. Have you paid off that loan? Did you just have a scrumptious meal? The Word of God says, “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” – 1 Corinthians 10:31.
Let us celebrate as Ezra and the people of God did by shouting out our praises to the Lord. The Bible also says, “Rejoice in the Lord always, Again I will say, rejoice!” – Phillipians 4:4.
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, you remind us in your Word that because of all that Jesus Christ had done for us, we can give thanks in all our circumstances. We pray that all our praise and all our celebrations be acceptable to you. In Jesus’s name, amen.
Read: Ezra 3:8-13, 1 Corinthians 10:23-33, Phillipians 4:2-7
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 4:20-27; Matthew 27:45-66; Exodus 13; Exodus 14
