In the book of Ezra, the returning exiles faced immense challenges as they resettled in Jerusalem. With no walls for protection, a destroyed temple, and hostile neighbours surrounding them, logic might have dictated starting with defensive structures or visible progress. Yet the people chose a different path. They prioritised worship and rebuilt the altar first. This passage in Ezra 3:1-6 reveals a timeless principle: true revival, whether in a church, a family, or an individual life, begins inwardly at the altar of surrender and worship before any outward building takes place.
Build the Altar Before You Build Anything Else (Ezra 3:1-3)
The exiles gathered as one in Jerusalem during the seventh month. Led by Jeshua the high priest and Zerubbabel the governor, they constructed the altar of the God of Israel to offer burnt offerings, exactly as prescribed in the law of Moses. They placed the altar on its bases despite real danger from surrounding peoples. No temple foundation had been laid, no walls stood, and enemies opposed their presence. Still, they began with the altar, the place of sacrifice, confession, and restored fellowship with God.
This choice teaches that God works inwardly before He builds outwardly. Many churches and individuals focus on programmes, buildings, or strategies to appear strong, yet neglect the heart. A vibrant encounter with God matters more than any infrastructure. You can have impressive facilities and activities, but without true communion with Him, it remains empty. The altar represents surrender, where we meet God through sacrifice and submission. Nothing lasting can be constructed until we are right with Him. Our greatest need remains a personal, vibrant fellowship with the living God.
Offer Sacrifice Even When You Feel Afraid (Ezra 3:3)
Fear gripped the people because of the surrounding nations. The Hebrew word here conveys dread and terror, not mere unease. They lived exposed and vulnerable, yet they offered burnt offerings morning and evening. They did not wait for safety or for circumstances to improve. Instead, they worshipped amid insecurity, choosing consecration over self-protection.
Fear often drives us to strategise, seek advice, or build defences first. While practical steps have their place, the exiles show that worship should be the primary response. Fear should draw us to the altar, not delay our devotion. Revival does not require perfect conditions; it requires a consecrated heart. Worship becomes the source of true security, not the result of it. In times of anxiety about finances, family, culture, or personal challenges, the answer lies in turning to God in surrender rather than postponing devotion until life feels stable.
Worship According to Scripture, Not Emotion (Ezra 3:2-6)
The passage repeatedly emphasises that actions followed what “is written” in the law of Moses. They offered sacrifices, kept the Feast of Tabernacles, and presented daily and continual burnt offerings precisely as prescribed. Their worship was not improvised or emotion-driven; it aligned with God’s revealed Word.
True worship combines spirit and truth, as Jesus taught the Samaritan woman. We need both heartfelt devotion and obedience to Scripture. In our day, worship is sometimes judged by feelings or atmosphere rather than faithfulness. Emotional experiences can accompany revival, but only obedience sustains it. God meets His people at the altar of surrender, not at construction sites or through outward displays. We come to Him on His terms, through the blood of Jesus Christ, yielding to His standards of holiness.
Conclusion
The returning exiles remind us that God addresses the unseen heart before the visible rubble. Before stones were stacked for the temple, hearts had to be surrendered at the altar. Revival begins when we rebuild that place of worship in our lives, our families, and our church. No programme, strategy, or outward achievement can substitute for a genuine encounter with God.
If you have never trusted Jesus Christ as Saviour, the first step is to meet Him at the foot of the cross, confessing your sin and believing in His payment for it. For believers, examine your altar today. Is your worship vibrant and scriptural? Are you meeting God daily in spirit and truth? Consecration precedes construction. May we prioritize the altar, allowing God to revive us inwardly so that anything built outwardly honours Him.
