Back to the Future

Wesley Wright

Lighthouse Bible Church

Sunday, October 12, 2025

 

 

Title: Back to the Future

 

 

EZR 3:1-12

So far (chapters 1 and 2):

Cyrus provides resources for the return to Israel

The gave freely for the second temple

Remember — Isaiah prophesied about Cyrus

 

Coming up in Chapter 3:

Cyrus gave resources for the temple

Sacrifices back

Cornerstone + foundation

His mercy (lovingkindness) endures forever

 

Going together as one man to Jerusalem (EZR 3:1) means that people were on the same page having returned to the land that the Lord gave them.

 

The Israelites were afraid of their neighbors (EZR 3:3) and brought back the feasts and offerings that for a great time they neglected, being outside of their land
(EZR 3:4-6).

 

The people re-instituted the sacrifices the law required of them.

 

DEU 12:26-32

 

Jesus Christ is the ultimate sacrifice that bests the ones the Israelites restarted upon their return to Jerusalem.

 

HEB 9:22-28

 

HEB 10:8-15

 

Cyrus gave resources (EZR 3:7). Tyre and Zidon are in present-day Lebanon, and they were wealthy places. God used their wealth to provide for His own purposes.

 

EZE 27:33,

EZE 28:4-5

 

JOE 3:1-8

 

Zech 9:1-5

 

PRO 13:22

 

Many of the Israelites rejoiced having seen the foundation what would become the second temple (EZR 3:10-11).

 

The people wept,

and some rejoiced:
ZEC 4:5-10

 

 

Another prophet warned those who did not acknowledge the second temple rightly.

 

HAG 2:1-9

 

 

The Israelites praised the Lord with instruments once the foundation was laid because of an ordinance from David (EZR 3:10).

 

1CH 25:1-7

 

 

 

2CH 5:12-14

 

 

 

2CH 7:4-6

 

 

 

We rest on an even better foundation.

 

ACT 4:10-12

 

1CO 3:9-15

 

 

We are a temple of sorts, too, and Jesus Christ is the cornerstone.

 

EPH 2:14-21

 

 

Israelites sang + rejoiced is because His mercy endures forever towards Israel

(EZR 3:11).

 

 

Psa 124,

LAM 3:22-23

 

 

 

Praise God for the sacrifice His Son is for us. He made that sacrifice once and for all.

 

 

Praise God for His Son, who is cornerstone for us as we grow into a holy temple.

 

 

The Israelites readily acknowledged God’s mercy. We must do the same who believe in His Son Jesus the Christ, whom we did not deserve.