Teamwork

When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests stood in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord, according to the ordinance of David king of Israel. 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 3.10-11

The rebuilding of the temple was both a physical and a spiritual work. While the builders laid the foundation the priests and the Levites worshipped God and gave thanks and and praise to God for what was being done. It was a time of great celebration. The workers and the priests and all the people praised God together ‘for He is good, for His mercy endures forever.’ They sang with joy and shouted wth a great shout when they praised. The foundation was laid – they were well on their way.

It is exciting when there has been a great victory won and a great work has been done. It is a praiseworthy time and people ought to shout with a loud voice because of what God has done though His people.

The work was not done though without everyone working together. The priests and other spiritual leaders did their work and the builders and construction workers did their work and the job got done.

We are not going to get anything done today unless everyone pitches in. The preachers and missionaries and others must do their work. But unless everyone is in their place through the week reaching out to those in their homes and estates and jobs and clubs and sports teams and wherever else our work of bringing men to Christ is not going to get done.

The work of the church is a team effort. Everyone must do their part.