When we see God’s people coming back from Babylonian captivity, there are various ways that they manifest their emotions for the situation. In the days of Ezra, the foundation of the temple was built. People responded with singing and praising God (Ezra 3:11). Others, who had seen the original temple, wept (Ezra 3:12). It was said that you could not distinguish the noise from joy or weeping, but you could hear the noise from far away (Ezra 3:13). After the people had built the wall with Nehemiah, they asked for the book of the Law of Moses to be read. “And all the people gathered as one man, they asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses. Then Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women and all who could listen with understanding. He read from it from early morning until midday, and all the people were attentive to the book of the law. Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people and when he opened it, all the people stood up. Then Ezra blessed the LORD the great God. And all the people answered, ‘Amen, Amen!’ while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground. The Levites explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place. They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading. Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, ‘This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.’ For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law” (Neh. 8:1-9).
It is easy to see the emotion that is tied to a place and a practice that has been forbidden for so long. In each case, there were people from other nations about them that were dissenting of their practices. They would send letters to authorities citing that what they were doing was wrong. This would stir up strife for the people of God. However, they prevailed against the opposition.
We should pose the question to ourselves. How will we react when we are finally able to meet together again? Will it be a joyous occasion? Will we weep? Will the noise of our praise be heard very far away? Will we even come? There will be opposition to us coming together to worship. Some will say it’s too soon, no matter when it happens. For some of us, we will be our own greatest enemy. We have had time to form new habits and get comfortable with the way things are. Incidentally, that’s why some never left Babylon.
Whenever we get to stand as one again, let our worship be heard in heaven as we praise His holy name once more together. Let us stand in awe as His word is heard in our ears.