I’ve begun a study through the book of Ezra, and it is timely for me in the season of transition that Jenny and I are in. I felt the Lord leading me to study it, and I find myself immediately in it! The people of Israel just finished 70 years of exile in Babylon, and they receive the prophetic call (through Jeremiah through Cyrus, the Persian King who defeated Babylon) to return to Jerusalem, reoccupy it, and rebuild the temple.

The Scriptures say that the call was to everyone (Ezra 1:2-3), but only a remnant actually made the long, arduous, and costly journey home. Considering the day they were in, it would seem probable that many Israelites grew accustomed to life in Babylon, trading rather the treasure and comfort of men for the treasure of God in His presence in Jerusalem. In order to truly worship, they had to "ascend the hill of the Lord", which was the uphill road towards Jerusalem, and Mount Zion.

In order to encourage those who were making the journey, Cyrus brought out many temple vessels that were taken when Nebuchadnezzar plundered Israel and presented the vessels to his gods. (That is, before his radical conversion and worldwide evangelism effort - Dan. 4-5) This greatly encouraged the people, to see the things associated with God’s presence and long for His nearness once again.

True worship is more than the songs we sing, we know that. True worship is a God-stirred hunger within us to be near to God and honor Him as we behold Him. True worship doesn’t want to be on the sidelines, but wants to get its’ own stones from the river. True worship is the posture of heart that keeps going, amidst the pressures, temptations, and trials, to press onwards toward the goal of knowing God, being found in Him, and worshipping Him as He is.

This is the highest form of worship, seen 24/7 around God’s throne - creatures completely covered with eyes (Rev. 4:7) looking at the beautiful, majestic God and crying out what they see. As they do, only one word continues to bombard their mind, and only one word seems to define Him - Holy. Again and again they see Holy and they declare Holy. They don’t do it because its’ rehearsed, or they have to. They do it over and over because each time it is fresh, infinite holiness beaming into those many eyes. I can’t even imagine worship this pure, just as I can’t imagine a God that beautiful to inspire infinitely fresh worship. But, this is the reward of those who ascend the hill of the Lord to be near Him.

And just as "God stirred the people" to rebuild His temple, He has stirred us by His Holy Spirit, to daily return to Him, reoccupy His promises and presence, and rebuild our bodies as His temple of praise. No matter what uphill battle, costly journey, or sacrifice we make, we must continue to say - "It’s going to be worth it!".