Broken temples

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 Ezra 2

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• Summary

The majority of chapter 2 records the details of around 50,000 Jews who returned to Judah.  They included those of royal descent (Zerubbabel), the high priest, Jeshua (Joshua), Levites (including singers, doorkeepers, Nethinims), many from recognised  clans or towns and those who couldn't prove their Jewish ancestry.

On arriving back in Jerusalem, some of the chief of the Jews came to the ruined temple and generously and willingly gave silver, gold and priestly garments for the work of rebuilding and setting it up.

• Thoughts

In verse 68 we read that some of the 'chief of the fathers, when they came to the house of the LORD which is at Jerusalem, offered freely...'.  My Bible study notes for this verse suggest that this indicates that even though the temple was broken down and in ruins, it was still being used.  

I started thinking how we too are like temples - Paul writes to the Corinthians, 'Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (I Corinthians 3:16).  Paul is likening our bodies to a building which can be lived in - temples because of the holy nature of God.  Like this ruined temple in Jerusalem, so our bodies are ruined and broken by our sinful nature, but because of the Lord Jesus, God accepts broken lives and his Spirit dwells in those of us who are his children.

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In another place Paul writes, '...but we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us' (2 Corinthians 4:7).  This treasure is referring to the knowledge of God through Jesus, which has shined in the hearts of his children.  I remember hearing a minister* say how earthern vessels are weak - they are easily cracked or broken; but when broken this treasure can shine through- it is more easily seen. Like this ruined temple in Jerusalem we can still be used for God's glory.  

I remember another minister** speaking on the miracle of the 5 loaves and 2 fishes, and how the Lord Jesus blessed and brake them before they could increase and bear the fruit of feeding the multitude.

How beautiful, that when we feel broken and humbled - when we 'decrease', then the Lord's light may shine through our brokenness more brightly.  When we stop trying to repair our ruins ourselves and instead trust in the imputed righteousness of the Lord Jesus, there are times when the Holy Spirit dwelling within us produces 'fruits' evident to others - and you feel more love to the Lord and his people, more joy in the Lord, peace; you may be more patient and gentle or kind (Galatians 5:22-23).

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Perhaps you do not yet know this peace - this resting in the Lord - this knowledge that the Lord is everything you feel your need of.  Perhaps you just feel an empty restless longing deep inside you; you feel broken and tossed by the cares and uncertainties of life and your own nature.  Dear friend, do not despair!  The Lord Jesus says, 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest' (Matthew 11: 28).  Go to the Lord in prayer and tell him all that is in your heart.  Tell him how you need him to cleanse and bless you - to heal you from your brokenness - for faith to believe that he loves you and died for you and thank him - thank him that you, yes you, can come before him and petition him, in Jesus' name.

*Dr P Wilkins

**JE Rutt, Pastor at Ebeneezer Chapel, Matfield

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