A Foundation of Faith

Based on Ezra 3-5, John 20

"And 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

When the foundation of the house of The Lord was laid, this was reason for celebration! Even though the house was not completed, and even though it was "without form and void," the foundation was something to get excited about. The foundation holds the building together. It is the most essential piece of the puzzle-without it, the building could not stand, no matter what it would end up looking like. Just like a building, our foundation of faith in God & obedience to His Word is the foundation that should be celebrated in our lives! That is what holds our relationship with God together! In fact, the foundation of faith in God's people came even before the physical foundation was laid of The Lord's House!

"Then came the same Sheshbazzar, and laid the foundation of the house of God which is in Jerusalem: and since that time even until now hath it been in building, and yet it is not finished." Ezra 5:16

The enemies of this project knew the power of a strong foundation. Although there were some hindrances along the way because of these enemies, God's people always jumped right back into continuing to build. That strong foundation of faith kept up the building of the physical foundation! Just because we face setbacks in our walk with God, and it might look different than what the world is doing, that doesn't mean we abandon ship! We should never stop pursuing and building a relationship with God because of persecution! In fact, that should be motivation to make our relationship structure stronger to protect us against our enemies!

"And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: but these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name." John 20:30‭-‬31

Everything written in God's Word is reason to believe Him for Who He is, but especially the things written concerning His Resurrection! Although the disciples relied on Jesus when He was with them, despite hindrances and setbacks, this appearance of Jesus after His Resurrection was the foundation of faith needed for the disciples to soon stand on their own 2 feet, upon everything they'd been taught, and go on after Jesus ascended to preach & teach to others. This was their foundation of faith! This is OUR foundation of faith! Let's believe Him for Who He is! Thomas didn't think it was Him at first. He needed to see the handprints and pierce scar in His side. Let's not let our foundation be shaken by doubt and unbelief! Believe His whole Word! Love His whole Word! Live on a foundation of faith!