Even Though

"They set up the altar on its foundation and offered burnt offerings for the morning and evening on it to the Lord even though they feared the surrounding peoples." Ezra 3:3 (HCSB)

In this verse, Ezra tells us what the Israelites did upon their return to Jerusalem.  The people of the southern kingdom of Israel had been deported to Babylon approximately 70 years before.  Now, they had been allowed to return to their homeland and reestablish worship to God.  The people that settled in Jerusalem were hostile towards the returning Israelites.  If you were to read through the books of Ezra and Nehemia you would find how they tried to stop the Israelites from rebuilding the temple and reestablishing the worship of God.

What I want us to focus in Ezra 3:3 are two simple words that hold a lot of power.  Those two words are 'even though.'  Notice that even though the Israelites were in fear of the people surrounding them, they set up the foundation and offered burnt offerings.  Even though they were in a place of danger, even though the people around them hated them and tried to stop them, even though they stood alone - they worshipped God.

Are you in a similar situation?  Do you stand alone in your faith at work or in your family?  Are you tempted to hide your faith from public view?  Please let this one verse encourage you to stand, worship God - even though you are in a difficult circumstance.