| “And when the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord … all the people shouted with a great shout … because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. But many of the priests and Levites and chief of the fathers, who were ancient men, that had seen the first house … wept with a loud voice; and many shouted aloud for joy” (Ezra 3:10-12). |
| Perhaps you have heard the term “generation gap” used sometimes, referring to how young people often think differently from their parents or grandparents. This is natural, for times change from one generation to the next; new things are discovered, and new ways of doing things are invented. Here in our verses today we have a generation gap. |
| There were younger people who shouted when the foundation of the temple was laid, for there had not been any temple in Jerusalem for about 70 years. They were glad to see a new temple being built. But some of the older ones who had seen Solomon’s temple realized how small and insignificant the new temple was, compared to the old one. Instead of shouting, they wept, for they realized that nothing as beautiful as Solomon’s temple would be built again for them to see. |
| We can understand both reactions. The older ones were saddened, yet the younger ones rejoiced, and I believe that the Lord understood why each group reacted differently. |
| A generation gap is natural, as new generations come along. However, we must remember that the Lord does not change, and that His truth and moral principles do not change. Let us never excuse bad behavior, and behavior that dishonors the Lord, by saying that “times have changed.” When I was growing up, there were no cell phones, no computers, no jet planes, no internet, and (you will laugh at this!), not even any ball point pens. We all wrote either with fountain pens, or stick pens that we dipped into old-fashioned ink wells on our desks. Things have really changed during my lifetime! |
| However, I am thankful that the Word of God has not changed, nor has the Lord Himself changed. Let us be ready to accept change from one generation to another, but be thankful for the things that never change. |
