Last week: God is Faithful to His Word: He promised to return Israel from exile (Jer 29:10) God is sovereign over the nations He raised up Babylon to punish Judah (Hab 1:12) And Medo-Persians to punish Babylon (Jer 50:18) God is faithful to his covenant God promised Abraham through him all nations will be blessed (Gen 12:3) God’s promise to David, “your throne shall be established forever.” (2 Sam 7:16) Giving Ezra 2:68-70 A free will thank offering – for the safe journey and to re-establish worship Leaders gave generously and the people followed (Nehemiah 7)

Worship Ezra 3:1-6 Setting up the altar They were afraid of other nations but their priority was not physical defenses nor was it personal comfort. Their first priority was to re-establish worship. No temple yet, just an altar to offer sacrifice.

They gave silver, gold, garments for priests, now grains, oils, and livestock.

Matthew 6:33 But seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you. Work Ezra 3:7-13 Laying the Foundation

if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?" (Ps11.3)

Lay new foundations. The key to spiritual renewal is to not give up when we fail or struggle with consistency. After Judah’s sin and God’s punishment, his intention was to restore and renew. He would see his people return to the land, re-establish worship and renew his relationship with them.

‘Who says of Cyrus, 'He is my shepherd, and he shall fulfill all my purpose'; saying of Jerusalem, 'She shall be built,' and of the temple, 'Your foundation shall be laid.’”’ (Isaiah 44:28)

Word They were dedicated to the Word of God. • “They built the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings on it as it is written in the Law of Moses” (v. 2) • “They offered… burnt offerings morning and evening” (v. 3) cf Ex 29:39 • “They kept the Feast of Booths, as it is written” (v. 4)

Unity Emphasis on unity: • The people gathered together (Ezra 3:1); • the workers stood together (v. 9); • the Levites sang together (v. 11a); • the people worked together to lay the foundation (vv. 8-9) • the people praised the Lord together for His goodness (vv. 11b) Their tasks were varied, but they all had one goal before them: to glorify the Lord by rebuilding His temple. This is what Paul had in mind when he wrote “make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose” (Phil. 2:2).

Patience - They did not give up in fear nor disappointment