Ezra 3: The Altar Rebuilt and Offerings Resumed
Verses 2-3:
Then Joshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD, both the morning and evening sacrifices.
◇ The people who had returned to the land of Israel lived each in their own city. In the seventh month (October by the Gregorian calendar), they all gathered together for the first time after their return and offered burnt offerings as prescribed by the Law of Moses (Numbers 28:2-4). Unlike other sacrifices where the person offering the sacrifice and the priest would share the meat, the burnt offering was completely given to God.
One can only imagine how overwhelmed they felt as they offered their first burnt offerings after returning. Their ancestors had always built altars to God. Abraham did, Isaac did, and Jacob did. Even during their arduous journeys, like sojourners, they always built altars to God. Building an altar was a demonstration of gratitude for God's protection and guidance, a commitment to a God-centered life, and an act of obedience and dedication to God's call and command. Having gone decades without a temple or the ability to offer sacrifices, they must have been deeply moved to build an altar and offer sacrifices like their forefathers.
The pure and absolute dedication of the Israelites to God was epitomized by the building of altars. While they were joyful to offer burnt offerings again, there was also a sense of sorrow. Even though the altar was hastily constructed from scattered stones and not yet a grand structure, the opportunity to offer sacrifices to their Savior God brought them great joy. However, those who remembered the splendor of the former temple would have felt an immense sadness at the sight of the modest altar. Yet, their joy would have surpassed their sorrow because they had built an altar.
What's important is that they built the altar and offered burnt offerings on it. It was an expression of their hearts turned towards the LORD God, just like their ancestors Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had done.
God desires us to build altars to Him and offer burnt offerings. Not the fat and well-fed offerings on a grand altar, but to build altars and offer burnt offerings to God anywhere in our lives. God wants us to live our lives pursuing His love, justice, and peace as our offerings, just as Jesus bore the cross.
God, even if my appearance and my life seem modest, let me not be ashamed to build an altar of my life to You! Help me to build altars to You wherever I live! Let me offer sacrifices there for Your love, justice, and peace! Holy Spirit, lead me in truth!