One Man’s Joy, Another Man’s Sorrow

We are now in the third week of Advent. Our theme is Joy. Joy is somewhat illusive, for what can be joy to one, can bring reminders of pain to others:

But in the midst of those praises, the priests, Levites, and tribal leaders who remembered the first temple wept loudly when they saw it because they knew this temple could never be as grand as Solomon’s. Ezra 3:12 (The Voice)

In this portion of scripture we find the returning Israelites at the site where the work had begun rebuilding the temple that had been torn down by the Babylonians during the captivity. King Cyrus had issued a decree for the temple to be rebuilt. The foundation of the temple had been laid and the people were all there to view it. The sentiment of the group was mixed however. While there were many shouting for joy, there were some in the group who were weeping. Specifically, the older priests, Levites and tribal leaders who remembered the glory of the temple of Solomon were weeping. They knew that this new temple would never be as grand as that Solomon had built.

Life is like that . While we can be excited about the restitution of a thing, we may not have real joy, if it falls short of that which we had before. Replacement is never as exciting as the primary work was! Yet no matter how old you are, and whatever former glory you might remember, it is essential to remember that
“in everything we give thanks”. Sincere gratitude will take you from a place of despondency to a place of joy quickly. For in the present work there is always a treasure that has not yet been revealed. Wait on it!

Maria