The sound of loud rejoicing filled the city when the foundations of the new temple were laid. Those who were there could also hear another sound, mixed in with the cries of joy. The old timers who had known Solomon’s temple were weeping. They just knew that this temple would in no way make up for the shame of the loss of that greatness. They knew that the future would never be as great as the past had been. They were wrong. One day, that city shall stand as the center of the fulfillment of Israel’s hope’s and humanity’s restoration. The Messiah will come, and take up his place as King in the nation, and of the nations. If only they knew.
LORD, thank you for the hope of the return of Jesus Christ.
Ezra 3