The Promise

A Carryover From Israel’s Ancient Unbelief

Everyone present should have entered heartily into the spirit of the occasion. Yet a discordant note mingled with the music and shouts of praise heard on that glad day: “Many of the ... old men who had seen the first temple, wept with a loud voice.” Verse 12. These aged men thought of the results of many years of rebellion. If they and their generation had carried out God’s purpose for Israel, the temple built by Solomon would not have been destroyed and the captivity would not have been necessary. 2TC 275.2

But conditions were different now. The Lord had allowed His people to return to their own land. Sadness should have given way to joy. God had moved Cyrus to aid them in rebuilding the temple! But instead of rejoicing, some cherished thoughts of discontent and discouragement. They had seen the glory of Solomon’s temple, and they mourned because the building now to be constructed was not as grand. 2TC 275.3

The murmuring and complaining had a depressing influence on many. The workmen began to question whether they should proceed with constructing a building that was so freely criticized and was the cause of so much grief. Many, however, did not view this lesser glory with such dissatisfaction. They “shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people, for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off.” Verses 12, 13. 2TC 275.4

Those who failed to rejoice at the laying of the foundation stone did not realize the weight of their words of disapproval and disappointment. Little did they know how much their dissatisfaction would delay the completion of the Lord’s house. 2TC 276.1

The first temple’s magnificence had been a source of pride to Israel before their captivity; but the glory of the first temple could not recommend them to God, for they did not bring Him the sacrifice of a humble and contrite spirit. When people lose sight of the vital principles of God’s kingdom, ceremonies multiply and become extravagant. When they despise the simplicity of godliness, their pride and love of display demand magnificent church buildings, splendid adornings, and impressive ceremonies. 2TC 276.2

But God values His church for the sincere piety that distinguishes it from the world. He judges its worth by how much its members have grown in the knowledge of Christ and in spiritual experience. He looks for love and goodness. Beauty of art cannot compare with beauty of character revealed in Christ’s representatives. A congregation may be the poorest in the land, but if the members possess the principles of Christ’s character, angels will unite in their worship. 2TC 276.3

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.
Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy.” Psalm 107:1, 2 2TC 276.4