The Temple of God was then dedicated with great joy by the people of Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the people who had returned from exile.
(Ezra 6:16 NLT)
When the Jerusalem Temple was rebuilt, the Israelites celebrated its dedication with joy. The word “dedication” in today’s passage translates the Aramaic word hanukkah. Therefore, when the temple was later recaptured from the Seleucids and rededicated, the celebration became known as Hanukkah. But just as the physical temple of God was often rededicated in the Scriptures, Christians, who make up the spiritual temple of God today (1 Corinthians 3:16), are also called to rededicate themselves to Him. If you have allowed negative influences or attitudes to infiltrate your life, dedicate yourself to God again and rejoice.
Oftentimes, we all need to rededicate ourselves to God.
