TEMPLE RESTORED

BY THE END OF THE LESSON, WE WILL:

KNOW that the Holy Ghost comforts and restores us; FEEL joy in restoration; and PRAISE God for His renewing power. 

FOCAL VERSES EZRA 3:8-13

KEEP IN MIND 

"And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the LORD; because he is good for his mercy endureth for ever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout, when the praised the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid" (Eza 3:11).

AT- A- GLANCE

1. The Temple Work Begins (Ezra 3:8-9)

2. The Temple Work Incites Praise (vv. 10-11)

3. The Temple Work Sparks Lament and Joy (vv. 12-13)

IN FOCUS 

Betty thought she would never live to see this day: an African-American inaugurated as president of the 

United States. At 75 years old, she had seen lived through her share of injustices. She also recalled horrible stories of racism from her parents and foreparents who were slaves. Betty saved her money and God made special provision for her to make it to Washington, D.C., to attend the inauguration festivities. Betty took her granddaughter, Ashely, to teach her the importance of this moment in history. As the president was sworn in, Betty was overwhemled with joy and began to cry. she reflected on the years of oppression and degradation of her people, as well as the sacrifices made to make this day possible. When the ceremony concluded, she shouted for joy and praised God for His goodness.

God's Word promises that He would cause us to triumph in His Name and bring us to a place of victory. In today's lesson, we will read how God uses Jeshua, the Levitical priests, and Zerrubbabel, the governor of Jerusalem, to restore the Temple of God after returning from exile in Babylon. 

BACKGROUND

The book of Ezra is an account of Jewish history, which records their release from their 70 years of exile in Babylon as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:11) and the return of the first wave of Jews in 537 B.C. through the second wave in 457-458 B.C. The first half of Ezra chronicles the rebuilding of the Temple after its destruction in 586 B.C. under the leadership of Jeshua, the high priest, and Zerubbabel, the governor of Jerusalem. One of the key task of these leaders in restoring the temple is to reinstitute worship according to the Law of Moses by offering up sacrifices unto God. The people were called upon to consecrate themselves and submit freewill offerings unto the Lord as well as provide the resources and talent to rebuild the Temple (Ezra 3:1-7). By the hand of God, the Jews also received favor from King Cyrus as he brought back the vessel of worship taken from the house of the Lord that King Nebuchadnezzar stole during their conquest (Ezra 1:7). Restoring worship and honor to God, since their captivity was consequence of their idolatry. 

SEARCH THE SCRIPTURES

Fill in the blanks. 

1. "And when the ____________ laid the ___________ of the temple of the LORD, they set the priests in their ___________ with trumpets..." (Ezra 3:10)

2. "And they _____________ together by course in _________ and giving ___________ unto the LORD; because he is ______________, for his ____________ endureth for ever toward Israel" (v. 11)

DISCUSS THE MEANING

1. What was the significance of having men ages 20 and older supervise the restoration of the Temple?

2. Discuss the role of praise and worship in the restoration of the Temple

3. Why do you think the ancient men wept and shouted once the foundation was laid?

LESSON IN OUR SOCIETY

In recent history, natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes have devastated this nation, and most notably affected were the poor and disenfranchised. However, as we avail ourselves to God as His instruments, He has used people as an extension of his love to be a helping hand to those in need to restore lives. How does the Lord expect us to fulfill this obligation in (a) the church, (b) our communities, and (c) our families. 

MAKE IT HAPPEN 

Reflect on a time in you life when you have seen God move on your behalf to restore you after a moment of defeat or failure. How did you feel? Recall your praise unto God, and as an act of worship, ask in prayer where can use you to be light in dark places to restore someone else in need. 

(Except for The Apostolic Way)

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ON-LESSON