February 27

From: Daily Sacrifice By: Henry Allan Ironside

Ezra 3:11

“They sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because He is good, for His mercy endureth 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 3:11¹¹And they sang together by course in praising and giving thanks unto the Lord; because he is good, for his mercy endureth for ever 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 3:11).

EVERY revival of the work of the Lord is an occasion for renewed praise and thanksgiving, Jerusalem had been in ruins for seventy years. Its glorious temple had been utterly destroyed, but through the good hand of God the foundation of the new temple was laid and this filled with rejoicing the hearts of the remnant, who had returned to the land and to the city where Jehovah had set His name. So from time to time throughout the centuries when things have been at a very low ebb indeed, God has come in grace and given revival and blessing to His people. This spiritual refreshment is an evidence of His unceasing care for His own,

“Call us back from hearts cast down,

And, oh, afresh inspire

Our souls to seek Thee more and more

To burn with deep desire,

Till hearts o’erflow, and faces glow

With holy, ardent fire.

Lord, call us back!

Broken is the remnant, Lord,

And difficult the day;

What shame and sorrow cover us,

Our tears oft dim the way;

The tide runs high, Thy coming’s nigh,