14 So the leaders of the Jews continued to build; the work went well under the preaching of the prophets Haggai and Zechariah son of Iddo. They completed the rebuilding under orders of the God of Israel and authorization by Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia.
The finished temple was a long and arduous process. Much pain was taken to follow the Lord's precise instructions, making it perfect in every way. It didn't happen overnight, and it was hard work but now it was finished. Let the festivities begin. Feasting and celebration were fitting now that the temple was completed.
We will often throw a party when we come to the end of a big project or a difficult task. When we are involved in a theatrical play and give up many of the things we like to do, so that we can practice over and over to make the performance flawless, there is usually a cast party after it is finished. A writer might host a book release party when their publication is available to the public.
Many gave hours of their lives for the temple completion. And it all began because of the discovery of a lost paragraph in a pagan library (Life Application Study Bible). (Read Ezra 6:1-12). It was time to party.
Consider how it all began for you. When did your faith begin to take shape? What was happening in your life to cause you to seek God and His Son? This Advent season it is good to remember these things and maybe even share them with someone who doesn't quite get it yet. You might be surprised at the response you receive. After all, we are all waiting for something, aren't we? Maybe our words will reveal that the 'something' is Jesus.
