Text: Ezra 3:10-13
It is often the case that people look at one event, fact, or piece of information from different perspectives. As a result, they react differently to the same thing. This happened when the foundation for the second temple was laid – there were shouts of joy and the sound of weeping. There will always be different perspectives in the church, but we need to come together from these different perspectives and work together for the cause of Christ.
What We Need to Remember, Regardless of Our Perspective
The Past Will Always Be “The Past”
- We are to learn from the past – from the Scriptures (Romans 15:4) and from those who have gone on before us (Hebrews 13:7; 11:4)
- We can model what we do after the past (when appropriate) – follow the pattern revealed in the NT (2 Timothy 1:13); follow the example of others who have followed this pattern (Philippians 3:17)
- Do not let the past hinder work in the present (Ecclesiastes 7:10) – what happened in the past (good or bad) should not keep us from doing good now (Philippians 3:13-14)
The Present Is What We Have
- We need to build from where we are – whatever is lacking needs to be added (Titus 1:5); whatever is weak needs to be strengthened (Hebrews 12:12-13); whatever is good needs to be encouraged (1 Thessalonians 4:9-10); whatever is wrong needs to be corrected (Revelation 2:1-5)
- The past cannot be changed (Ecclesiastes 11:3) – therefore, we need to make sure we are doing what is right in the present
- Do not forget the past – there may be certain challenges or opportunities based on past history (2 Corinthians 12:20-21; Revelation 3:8); there is wisdom to be gained from those with more experience (Proverbs 20:29; Hebrews 13:7)
The Future Is Where We Are Headed
- We cannot go back or stay still – either press on toward the goal (Philippians 3:14) or drift away (Hebrews 2:1)
- We must keep moving forward – keep growing as God wants us to grow (Ephesians 4:15-16); keep doing the work He has given us to do (Philippians 2:12-13); never move beyond what He has given in His word (2 John 8-9)
- Always be mindful of God (Ezra 3:11; cf. Hebrews 12:2; Colossians 3:17)
Conclusion
- The past is settled, the present is reality, and the future is inevitable – we all approach these from different perspectives
- Yet the truth does not change (Psalm 119:160) – therefore, we need to be guided by the truth in all that we do
