Cyrus, king of Persia, commissioned Israelites living in Persia to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple which had been destroyed decades earlier.

The previous temple had been built by king Solomon with all of the grandeur that Israel, at her apex of economic power, could provide. The new temple being built at Cyrus’ command under the leadership of Zerubabbel and Jeshua, paled in appearance to the former’s glory. As the new foundations were laid, the record states:

Yet many of the priests and Levites and heads of fathers’ households, theold men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes….. “ Ezra 3:12

The prophet Haggai wrote of the new temple:

“Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? And how doyou see it now? Does it not seem to you like nothing in comparison? Haggai 2:3

If the record ended here, it would seem sad indeed. This, however, was not the end, but rather a new beginning for Israel that pointed to an even greater new beginning to come!

The very next thing Haggai wrote was this:

“‘But now take courage, Zerubbabel’, declares the Lord, ‘take courage also, Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and all you people of the land take courage’, declares the Lord, ‘and work; for I am with you’, declares the Lord of hosts” Haggai 2:4

As it was with ancient Israel, it is with the United States of America. Though present circumstances may make it appear that we are in a national decline both morally and spiritually, God’s people must never stop building.

The only hope for America is a return to Godliness. The best hope for a return to Godliness is the influence of the Lord’s church. That’s you and me.

Solomon said that it is not wise to wish for the days gone by as though they were better (Ecclesiastes 7:10). God never points us backwards. He always leads us in hope for the future. In closing, consider this brief but inspiring dialogue recorded between Nehemiah and his fellow-countrymen constructing the walls around Jerusalem:

“I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, ‘Let us arise and build’. So they put their hands to the work “ Nehemiah 2:18

Build up your personal spiritual life. Build up your marriage. Build up your family. Buildup the Lord’s church and in so doing these things build up your nation.