The book of Ezra records for us the response of the priests, leaders, and people of God when the foundations of the temple were relaid. The priests “sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord: “For he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever toward Israel.” And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord.
It’s fascinating that the song and joyful response for laying the foundation of the temple is recorded for us. Later on, in chapter 6, when the temple is finished, there was certainly joy and offerings and feasting, but the songs sung and the shouting of the people are not recorded.
That little detail can serve as a reminder to us that even the small things, the foundational things in our life together at Memorial, are worthy of our praise and celebration.
Usually, a roof replaced, or an AC unit fixed is a cause for relief, but not one necessarily of praise and jubilation (well, maybe jubilation for the AC if it breaks in August!). But what the people of God in Ezra show us by their celebration over large stone blocks put in place is that all that God provides for us to have a place to gather in His name and worship him is worthy of our praise and celebration.
It’s not just the big things, or the beautiful things, but all the things that come together to make our campus a place to praise Him and prepare His people for His Kingdom work—they are a reason to “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, and His steadfast love endures forever!”