Ezra 3 - Rebuilding

In this next step of the RENEWAL process, the exiles who returned, gathered as one in Jerusalem to REBUILD the altar and the temple.  They sacrificed burnt offerings and once again observed the sacred festivals in accordance to the Law; and essentially began to worship again, even before the foundation of the Temple was laid.  This shows that truly God does not live in temples made by human hands, and those who worship Him only need to worship in spirit and in truth.

When they began to build the Temple, they once again used cedar logs from Lebanon, showing that they wanted to use the best material.  And, after the foundation was laid, they gave praise and thanksgiving to the LORD. 

However, there were some who had seen the first Temple built by Solomon which was more glorious but had been destroyed by the Babylonians; and they wept.   Yet, Haggai 2:3-4 says "‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it not seem to you like nothing? But now be strong, Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty."  God encourages them saying that what was really most important was not the building itself, but what it represented - His Presence among His People.

What we see in this passage, is that Worship, Praise, and Thanksgiving are of utmost importance in the rebuilding step of the renewal process.  And that we can be encouraged that He is present with us.