The glory of the former temple

“But many of the older priests and Levites and family heads, who had seen the former temple, wept aloud when they saw the foundation of this temple being laid, while many others shouted for joy.” Ezra 3:12
The book of Ezra tells us the history of Israel at the return from captivity in Babylon. Although millions of people had been taken away, only a few tens of thousands came back. One of the first things they sought to do was to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. On the day the foundation was laid, the people came together and celebrated – for the most part. We read how many of the older men, who most likely had seen Solomon’s temple as children, wept when they saw the new temple. But these were not tears of joy, because the text makes a distinction between their weeping and the rejoicing of the rest of the people. These were tears of mourning – most likely because they remembered the grandness of Solomon’s temple, and this temple seemed pathetic and small in comparison.
The prophet Haggai ministered during this time, and addressed this attitude: “[Ask them], ‘Who of you is left who saw this house in its former glory? How does it look to you now? Does it now seem to you like nothing? But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,’ declares the Lord. ‘Be strong, O Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,’ declares the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ declares the Lord Almighty” (Hab. 2:3-4). Then God gave a promise: “‘The glory of this present house will be greater than the glory of the former house,’ says the Lord Almighty. ‘And in this place I will grant peace,’ declares the Lord Almighty” (Hab. 3:9). While physically this temple was unimpressive compared to Solomon’s, it would be greater, because the Messiah Himself would enter it.
There’s a lesson here for us today. Sometimes when we are involved in a great ministry somewhere, and then move on to another place, we can feel like our talent is being wasted because outwardly the ministry we are doing is not as big. A prime example is if you are involved in the worship or Sunday school ministry in a large church, and then moving to a smaller church – we can think that because we are ministering to fewer people, the ministry is not as valuable. But that’s where we’re wrong. All of our ministry – whether it’s to two, twenty, or two thousand people – should be done to God and for His glory. Outwardly the ‘temple’ might not look impressive, but if God is in it, then that is what makes it great.