Then the people of Israel–the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles–celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy. Ezra 6:16
People all over the world love to celebrate special events. It is very common for there to be some type of celebration when a building project is completed. This can be with just a simple house all the way up to some large commercial structure. There is a high level of excitement due to the hard work and difficulties often needed to be overcome to bring the construction to a completion.
Once the temple was rebuilt all the Israelites and exiles celebrated the dedication of the rebuilt house of God with great joy.
The level of celebration of the completion of a building will vary depending on the value and importance of the building. The higher the value and importance, the greater the celebration will be. Some buildings will bring about a national level of celebration. However, the celebration is always for something that is temporary. No physical building will last forever.
Believers are to always be in the process of building a temple that will last for eternity. That temple is making new disciples–new believers and followers of Jesus.
Every time a person chooses to turn away from his old sinful past, repent and believe in the saving work of Jesus upon the cross, there is a new temple built for God. The new believer becomes a dwelling place for God that is dedicated to Him. This occurs due to the hard work of prayer and being a witness to someone by other believers.
As soon as one becomes a believer, all heaven rejoices. It is a time for great celebration for all believers with the dedication of a new temple for God.
You most likely have times or events that you like to celebrate, some on a regular basis, some on a one time only basis. One time to always remember and celebrate is when you became a believer, when God gave you a new life and began to dwell in you.
Other times that are equally important is when you hear of another person choosing to believe in Jesus and be saved. Think of the great joy there is in knowing someone will no longer be condemned and heading to hell but is now a fellow brother/sister in the family of God–a new temple of God.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will make disciples for Jesus; that you will celebrate when one becomes a follower of Jesus; that you be a temple for God to dwell in; and that you will know the joy of the salvation God has given you.
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