“Then the Israelites, including the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles, celebrated the dedication of this house of God with joy!" Ezra 6:16”
It was a glad occasion when that building stood there completed on the sacred mount. It had risen out of ruins. It had cost great sacrifice and toil. It had been built up amid many discouragements and hindrances. Tears had fallen on many a stone, as it was lifted to its place.
Things we do through cost, self-denial, hardship, and hindrance are far dearer to us, and more sacred—than things we do with ease, without feeling the burden or the cost. Churches built by poor, struggling congregations, whose people have to sacrifice and deny themselves to gather the money, yield far more joy to their builders when finished—than beautiful and costly churches reared by the rich. They are built out of people's hearts, and shine in heaven's sight—in love's splendor.
Our joy in doing God's work, and in making gifts to God, is measured by the real cost of the things we do and give. The more heart's blood there is in them—the more precious will they be to us and also to God. The richest treasures of our lives—are those which have cost us the most.
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