September 17: Make a Joyful Noise.
His Mercy Endures Forever.
Many of the priests and Levites and heads of the father's houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy.--Ezra 3:12, NKJV
THE SETTING UP OF THE ALTAR of daily burnt offerings greatly cheered the faithful remnant. Heartily they entered into the preparations necessary for the rebuilding of the temple, gathering courage as these preparations advanced from month to month....
...Soon the work was advanced to the point where the foundation stone must be laid. This was done in the presence of many thousands who had assembled to witness the progress of the work and to give expression to their joy in having a part in it. While the cornerstone was being set in position, the people, accompanied by the trumpet of the priests and the cymbals of the sons of Asaph, "sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because He is good, for His mercy endureth forever toward Israel" {Ezra 3:11}.--Prophet and Kings, 560, 563.
All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations
of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger,
just like everyone else.
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,
that even though we were dead because of our sins,
he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.
(It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)
--Ephesians 2:3-5, NLT
His Mercy Endures Forever.
Many of the priests and Levites and heads of the father's houses, old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this temple was laid before their eyes. Yet many shouted aloud for joy.--Ezra 3:12, NKJV
THE SETTING UP OF THE ALTAR of daily burnt offerings greatly cheered the faithful remnant. Heartily they entered into the preparations necessary for the rebuilding of the temple, gathering courage as these preparations advanced from month to month....
...Soon the work was advanced to the point where the foundation stone must be laid. This was done in the presence of many thousands who had assembled to witness the progress of the work and to give expression to their joy in having a part in it. While the cornerstone was being set in position, the people, accompanied by the trumpet of the priests and the cymbals of the sons of Asaph, "sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because He is good, for His mercy endureth forever toward Israel" {Ezra 3:11}.--Prophet and Kings, 560, 563.
All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations
of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God's anger,
just like everyone else.
But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much,
that even though we were dead because of our sins,
he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.
(It is only by God's grace that you have been saved!)
--Ephesians 2:3-5, NLT
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