“So that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people; for the people shouted with a loud shout, and the sound was heard afar off.”
— Ezra 3:13 (NKJV)

From Captivity to Restoration

Israel had been taken into captivity in Babylon because of great transgression against God, which culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. The people experienced years of suffering, loss, and separation from the place of worship and the visible manifestation of God’s presence among them.

After seventy years in captivity, Israel turned back to the Lord, repented of their evil ways, and sought the attributes of holiness. God justified His people, restored them, and allowed their return to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple of the Lord.

Leaving Captivity and Returning to Jerusalem

God’s providence moved the most significant authority of that time, King Cyrus, to decree the rebuilding of Jerusalem and permit Israel’s return from captivity. What seemed impossible became reality by the sovereign hand of God.

“And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord: ‘For He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel.’ Then 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 (NKJV)

However, Scripture tells us that many of the older priests, Levites, and heads of the fathers’ houses—those who had seen the first Temple—wept aloud, while others shouted for joy.

“Yet many shouted aloud for joy, so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people.”
— Ezra 3:12–13 (NKJV)

The voices of weeping, gratitude, and joy were mingled in worship and glorification to God. The elders wept—not in despair, but in deep emotion and reverence—recognizing the great work God was accomplishing.

God’s Promise of a Greater Glory

Through the prophet Haggai, the Lord spoke a powerful word to the restored people:

“‘The silver is Mine, and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘The glory of this latter temple shall be greater than the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts.”
— Haggai 2:8–9 (NKJV)

God revealed Himself mightily to a people who had returned to Him with all their hearts, promising a spiritual blessing greater than anything they had previously experienced—a true revival.

After the long battle of captivity, bitterness, and tears, the people could now glorify God for a great victory. They were no longer in the hands of the adversary, but once again in the hands of God, walking upon the holy city.

The New Year and Praise to God

Likewise, all of us who have faced adversities can glorify God for the victories granted throughout 2025. Just as Israel experienced seasons of struggle and weeping, the Lord is the One who causes a new day to dawn—bringing miracles and blessings in our favor.

The Church will continue to be restored in 2026.

Throughout every season of Church history, what has prevailed is the voice of praise and gratitude for the victories granted by God.

As we cross into a new year—a milestone in our journey—it is a moment of worship and thanksgiving for the great Work the Lord has accomplished in our midst.

We have come out of captivity, out of the hands of the adversary, and today we stand in the presence of God, walking in the courts of the Lord and participating in the building of the Temple of the living God.

A Living Work That Continues

The foundations of the altar have been laid.
The plea by the blood has been established.
The revealed Word has been proclaimed.
The Holy Spirit’s direction has guided us.
The Work is being carried out according to the Lord Jesus’ project revealed to His Church.

All of this is reason for glorifying the Lord—He who has absolute power over all things and who changes circumstances in the lives of His faithful servants.

God’s Promise for This Turning of the Year

Through this passage revealed by God for the moment of the year’s transition, we are reminded of this promise:

• The voice of rejoicing will stand alongside the voice of weeping of those who witnessed the beginning of the Temple’s restoration.
• Victories will prevail over trials.
• The Temple will continue to be restored.
• When the Work is complete, the Lord will return.

We praise the name of the Lord!

The Peace of the Lord,
Maranatha Christian Church Council