TEMPLE BUILDERS

Today's reading: Ezra 1-5

"The construction of the Temple of God began in midspring, during the second year after they arrived in Jerusalem. The work force was made up of everyone who had returned from exile..." Ezra 3:8 NLT

Ezra was the one called by God to lead the exiled Israelites back to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity in Babylon.

Getting them back to the land of God was one step of the process, getting their hearts back to the worship of God was another.

A Temple had to be rebuilt amidst the rubble.

A discipline of worship had to be reinstated as these who held God's bloodline within them were retrained as to the God of their fathers--and grandfathers--and great-greatfathers.

It tells me that 'the Church' is not merely made up of those who have stayed the course, never wandered away or are saints.

The Church is made up, built up, carried on and maintained by those who have a relationship with Jesus.

He is our common denominator, our unifier, our Hope.

So no matter what your background looks like, your present holds or what shadows your future might cast upon today--get back to church. Return to the fellowship of believers. Gather with God's children in God's house for God's glory.

No matter where you've been, who you've been or what you've done!