“Many of
the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ households, the old men who had seen the first temple, wept with
a loud voice when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes,
while many shouted aloud for joy.” (v.12)
Here in
chapter 3 we see “two reactions” when the foundation to the new temple was
laid. The older generation wept, because they realized this temple would not be
anything like the one they remembered, while they younger people rejoiced,
(never seeing the old temple) just happy with what they saw being built. Two
reactions, a bittersweet experience.
Grieving
can be like that. While there is sadness in looking back, it also includes a
promise of joy in trusting God for the future. Even in a devastating loss, we
have this hope: The Lord provides joy in the midst of grief.
The
Truth
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we
have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have
access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the
glory of God. And not only that,
but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces
perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does
not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by
the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5)
