God's Redemption Story (1 Kings - Ezra)Sample

Ezra - 2/5

As Israel begins to rebuild the temple, the people both weep and rejoice at the same time. Their joy comes from the redemption of the Lord as they return to their rightful place in Jerusalem and are allowed to establish His house among them once again. But they feel deep regret that their own rebellion against God caused the destruction of the temple. Two contrasting emotions go hand in hand.

What a beautiful picture of how God wants to redeem us. We have regrets about mistakes we can’t undo, words we can’t take back, or decisions we can’t change—our sin has affected ourselves and those around us. But we can have joy, too, because Jesus took away our debt and loves us even with our baggage. Rest in the joy that God can and will work even in hard circumstances.