Scripture Focus
“Here is the list of the Jewish exiles of the provinces who returned from their captivity. King Nebuchadnezzar had deported them to Babylon, but now they returned to Jerusalem and the other towns in Judah where they originally lived.”
—Ezra 2:1 (NLT)

“In early autumn, when the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people assembled in Jerusalem with a unified purpose. Then Jeshua son of Jehozadak joined his fellow priests and Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel with his family in rebuilding the altar of the God of Israel. They wanted to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, as instructed in the Law of Moses, the man of God. Even though the people were afraid of the local residents, they rebuilt the altar at its old site. Then they began to sacrifice burnt offerings on the altar to the Lord each morning and evening… This was even before they had started to lay the foundation of the Lord’s Temple.”
—Ezra 3:1–3, 6 (NLT)

“With praise and thanks, they sang this song to the Lord:
‘He is so good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!’
Then all the people gave a great shout, praising the Lord because the foundation of the Lord’s Temple had been laid… The joyful shouting and weeping mingled together in a loud noise that could be heard far in the distance.”
—Ezra 3:8, 11, 13 (NLT)

Reflection
If moms, dads, aunts, uncles, and grandparents had not passed down the truth of God, how would these exiles have known to return, to rebuild, and to start with what mattered most?
Behind the long list of names in Ezra 2 were not just numbers but real hearts and families who believed and answered God’s call. Many of those who returned had been born in Babylon, already settled with homes and marriages. Babylon was all they knew. To leave behind comfort and stability for a devastated land—the ruins of war, a burnt temple with no foundation, crumbled walls, and no protection—must have been overwhelming.
Where do you even begin in such brokenness?
The exiles show us the answer: you begin with worship. You begin with sacrifice. You begin with acknowledging God’s goodness.
They rebuilt the altar before they laid a foundation. They gave God priority over comfort, convenience, and safety. More important than houses and walls was giving honor and glory to the Lord.
And when they began the work, starting strong with worship and laying the foundation, they shouted and wept with joy.

Lesson for Me
When my life feels like rubble, when I face brokenness or loss, I don’t have to be overwhelmed by what’s missing. I can start right where I am with what matters most—worship. Putting God first is the true foundation of a victorious life.

Application Questions

1. What “Babylon” comforts might I struggle to leave behind to put God first?
2. In seasons of loss or rebuilding, do I start with worship—or do I wait until everything feels secure?
3. How can I pass down the truth of God to my children and grandchildren so they will know where to begin?

Prayer 🙏
Lord, thank You that no matter how broken things look, You are always worthy of worship. Help me to start with You—before my plans, before my security, before anything else. May my life be built on the foundation of honoring and glorifying You. Strengthen me to walk away from what is comfortable if it keeps me from following You fully. I want to begin and end every season with praise to Your holy name.

Takeaway
Start with worship—God first, foundation laid, joy restored.
Journaling Reminder ✍️
Take time to sit quietly before the Lord. Ask Him to speak to your heart about what needs rebuilding in your life and how He wants you to begin with Him. Write down what He shows you—changes to make, comforts to release, or new steps of faith to take.