Know What You've Got - 6/4/06

Ezra 3:11, "And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the House of the Lord was laid."

"You don't know what you've got, 'til it's gone." This is a famous proverb, proven to be true in every life, generation after generation. Of course, it's also a rock ballad from the 80s.

The book of Ezra takes place upon the Jews' return to Israel. While in exile, the Jews could have easily made this song their National Anthem. Although the rock group Cinderella wouldn't exist for a few thousand years or so...

A few generations of wicked rulers slandered the Holy name of the Lord in the nation He rose up. As a consequence, God removed His hand of protection. His own house - the temple Solomon built - was looted and destroyed. The walls of Jerusalem were torn down, and its people carried off as captives.

They had all forgotten or turned away from God. He sent many prophets to speak for Him; to nudge the people back in line and reveal to them the wickedness of their ways. We receive similar reminders when our lives don't mesh with God's will. A friend may rebuke or identify our unhealthy decisions out of love. A scripture may remind us of how we should live. The fact is God gives us many chances to turn our lives toward Him.

Some of us don't learn so easily. Too many of us choose the hard road, and must "hit rock bottom" before we can see how destructive or unhealthy our decisions have really been. When the Babylonians invaded, the Jews lost their fredom, their wealth, power, and the right to worship God in His temple and enjoy His protection and provision. Cue their anthem.... "You don't know what you've got, 'til it's gone..."

While in exile the Jews returned to the Lord. It's a sad truth that many times we must be faced with tragedy before asking God to start working in our lives. They returned to God, then they were permitted to return to their land. Their captors were eventually conquered by the Persians, and the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem.

God used this exile to lay a foundation of people who would serve Him, then they returned home to build the foundation of a temple to do just that. The scripture above describes their reaction to the sight of that foundation - they shouted and praised God.

It may be time for you to lay a foundation in your own home to praise God. Maybe like the Jews had done, you've also embraced a spirit of rebellion against God, or just forgot to reference Him in your decisions. Maybe your home already collapsed under the attack of the enemy. Rebuilding and strengthening can start immediately.

This time, make Jesus Christ your foundation. Build your house on that rock, and regardless of the enemy's strength, you will prevail to give God the glory. "...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord." Joshua 24:15.