"Mixed Emotions"

Scripture Passage

Ezra 2:1-4:5, 1 Chronicles 3:19-24

Scripture Focus

…many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation. The others, however, were shouting for joy. The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance. (Ezra 3:12-13 NLT)

Observation

I know—I’ve probably already said this many times—but today’s reading involves one of the most interesting passages in all of Scripture. The first wave of exiles have returned to Jerusalem and begun the process of rebuilding. As their first order of business, they rebuild the altar and resume the daily sacrifices. As someone has said, “That’ll preach!” (If that’s not obvious, stop and think about it.) Ezra also says, “The work force was made up of everyone who had returned from exile” (Ezra 3:8 NLT). That’ll preach, too!

Next, the people re-laid the foundation of the Temple itself. When the foundation was completed, a rich celebration broke out. Not everybody, however, celebrates wholeheartedly.

…many of the older priests, Levites, and other leaders who had seen the first Temple wept aloud when they saw the new Temple’s foundation. The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance. (Ezra 3:12-13 NLT)

Must’ve been an interesting scene, huh? Joyful shouting and sorrowful weeping mixed in cacophonous (always wanted to use that word) discord.

And yet—to the discerning—that’s often the mix of emotions that humanity’s brokenness and God’s graciousness produce. What’s it like when someone finally runs to Christ late in life, or perhaps only when things are so crossed up that there’s really no undoing the mess any longer? What’s it like when I run back to Christ having failed again to listen to His voice and obey His word? To those who see the big picture, it’s that interesting mix of delightful joy over a new beginning, a fresh start…mixed with a sorrowful sense of loss over what was missed, what’s gone and can never be recovered.

What glory Israel had known in earlier days! How regretful what was lost! How wonderful a new day dawning! Oh, that this side of loss…this side of regret…God’s people would chose the best path, so that the mixed emotions (and lost opportunities) of a late return to Him would never again be our experience!

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