Ezra 3:10-11 – Laying the Foundation
The laying of a foundation is key to having a sound structure. A building resting on a poorly constructed foundation will not last. Thus, the proper laying of the foundation of the new Temple was a project over which great care had to be taken. However, this was no ordinary edifice. It was not a house for a common family, nor even the mere palace of a great earthly king – it was the Temple of the LORD. The laying of this foundation, therefore, involved worship and celebration. The priests in their glorious vestments blew trumpets, the sons of Asaph clashed symbols and sang, and the people shouted in praise to the LORD. As the Levites played instruments and sang, we are told they did all things “according to the directions of David king of Israel.”
Like the people in today’s passage, we need to make sure that we do things as the LORD has commanded through His Apostles and Prophets. Indeed, the Church, as we saw yesterday, is the Temple of the living God. As such, it is built on a foundation, just like the Temple in Jerusalem. Ephesians 2:20 tells us the Church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone.” In fact, Psalm 118:22 predicts that Christ will be the “head of the corner” – that is, the chief cornerstone to which the entire foundation must be aligned. As we go about the work of building Christ’s Church, we must take care to be building on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, with all things aligned to Christ. In other words, we must build on the Scriptures. If what we build is not built on the Word of God, it is not really the Church we are building.
Questions
- What did the people do when the foundations were laid?
- Why are foundations so important?
- On what foundation must the Church be built?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.