Ezra 3:2-3 (NIV)
“Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses the man of God. Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the Lord, both the morning and evening sacrifices.”
When the Israelites returned from exile, their city was in ruins. The temple lay in rubble, the walls broken, and the people faced opposition from those around them. And yet, before they lifted a single stone to rebuild the temple, they built the altar. Why? Because worship had to come first. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, they understood a truth we often overlook: before we build anything-a career, a family, a dream, a ministry-we must build our lives around God.
Think about it: how often do we jump into action, trying to fix things or make progress, without first pausing to seek God’s face? We make plans, set goals, and hustle to get results-then wonder why we feel spiritually dry. The returned exiles remind us that worship isn’t a luxury or a weekend activity-it’s the foundation. Before the visible structure of the temple could rise, the invisible structure of devotion had to be laid.
What’s even more striking is that they rebuilt the altar in the face of fear. The surrounding nations were hostile, the land unstable-but they chose worship over worry. That kind of faith builds strength. Worship realigns our perspective, recenters our hearts, and reminds us who truly holds the power.
So, before you take another step in your busy day or chase another goal, ask yourself: Have I built the altar today? Have I offered God my attention, my praise, my heart? Because when worship comes first, everything else finds its rightful place.
Prayer:
Father, help me to always choose worship before work. Teach me to build my life around your presence and not just my plans. Even when I feel pressure from all sides, help me to pause and give you the first place in my heart. May your altar never be neglected in my life.
