They began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord, though the foundation of the Lord’s temple had not yet been laid. (Ezra 3:6)
Expanded Passage: Ezra 3:3-6
Focus on your posture. Think about your breathing. Stretch like your running depends on it. I can still hear my cross-country coaches reminding us every practice to focus on the fundamentals, the small practices and mechanics, because every race has different, unexpected challenges. This is true in running, cooking, writing, and even relationships: we must practice the fundamentals to succeed in new, challenging situations.
The Israelites were eager not only to return from exile but also to resume the practice of worship through sacrifices. Although they did not yet have a temple, and their circumstances were new and filled with danger, they celebrated the Lord’s provision for them in the past with an expectation of his protection for them in their new start. They were not allowed to sacrifice while in exile, yet worship was their first order of business as the community of God when they returned to their destroyed homeland of Jerusalem. Their new context was difficult and dangerous, but they relied on their fundamentals: practices of community, worship, and celebration.
What are your fundamental practices? Are they helpful to rely on when you face a new and challenging beginning? During cross country, I had my practices to rely on when on a new course; the Israelites had fundamentals they could rely on during their difficult transition out of exile. By focusing on the fundamentals, these practices help us through life’s challenging transitions.
Focus on the fundamentals to face challenging circumstances.
Jay Drury is a second-year MDiv student at Asbury Seminary (KY), pursuing ordination in The Wesleyan Church. He is married to Hannah, whom he met at age sixteen.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
