Well, friends, we are due for a recap.
Between chapters 8 & 9 in Zechariah, a very important event happens for our exiles: the Temple is completed.
“So the Jewish elders continued their work, and they were greatly encouraged by the preaching of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo. The Temple was finally finished, as had been commanded by the God of Israel and decreed by Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, the kings of Persia. The Temple was completed on March 12, during the sixth year of King Darius’s reign.”
Ezra 6:14-15 NLT
Can you believe it? So much work and time away from their families, along with so many challenges and rebukes and encouragements from Haggai and Zechariah. And here they are. Almost exactly 70 years after its devastation, the Temple is complete.
Up next: a party.
“The Temple of God was then dedicated with great joy by the people of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the people who had returned from exile. During the dedication ceremony for the Temple of God, 100 young bulls, 200 rams, and 400 male lambs were sacrificed. And 12 male goats were presented as a sin offering for the twelve tribes of Israel. Then the priests and Levites were divided into their various divisions to serve at the Temple of God in Jerusalem, as prescribed in the Book of Moses.”
Ezra 6:16-18 NLT
I just love how far we traveled with our exiles during this school year. For my personal sanity – and the health of my family – I took the summer off last year from Bible study in this space. What resulted was a whetted appetite to dig deeper come August. That is my plan again this year. Today is our boys’ last day of school and we have several big adjustments coming in our immediate and extended family’s life.
Breaks are good.
But don’t you just adore our exiles completed the Temple? And how celebration follows? Whether your summer season revolves around a school calendar or not, let’s all celebrate what God has done the past year. If we are seeking Him and His Word and community with His people with humble hearts, growth and change are inevitable.
And He’s the ultimate party.
Have a wonderful summer with your people!