Building Community in Your Life

And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their vestments came forward with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the LORD, according to the directions of David king of Israel. And they 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, because the foundation of the house of the LORD was laid. (Ezra 3:10–11 ESV).

 

As I am writing my memoirs I have also been searching through old photos to accompany the narrative. The photo I’ve attached is from a family reunion taken at my maternal aunt and uncles’ home in Dickinson, Texas, sometime in mid to late 50’s. There are four generations represented in the photo. It should be remembered that the three ladies seated in the middle immigrated to the Untied States in the late 1800’s from Sicily. Such events were essential for the families of that era. It maintained connection and built “community.”  

 

As we continue our study of Ezra and Nehemiah, today’s reading reveals how restored worship for an exiled people deepened their communal lives. The exile community became a God-centered people when they gathered together for worship. God had to be first in their lives, no matter what. The priests started by building “the altar of the God of Israel.” Ezra stated, “Despite their fear of the peoples around them, they built the altar on its foundation and sacrificed burnt offerings on it to the LORD.” Then the carpenters and bricklayers began building God’s house for the purpose of worship. And then the priests—responsible to lead God-honoring worship—went into action. When the foundation of God’s house was complete, they worshiped God with singing and shouts of joy. They sang, “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” They were a community of worship.

 

Community comes when we join others in the acts and actions of worship. The principle was practiced in my family also. We would usually gather in the spring of the year on the weekend of St. Joseph’s Day. As Sicilians there was always lots of food and fellowship. However, as the day began with a bit of pageantry celebrating the work of Christ in the cross and resurrection, it ended with much of the food packaged and delivered to the poor and needy. Worship is much more than gathering to sing hymns and listen to sermons. It is the practice of ministry to others that they may know the same Savior that we know. Build that kind of community in your life!