This sermon centered on what it means to put first things first as God’s people, using Ezra 3 to show that before anything else was rebuilt, the people gathered to build the altar. Even amid fear and uncertainty, and before the temple’s foundation was laid, they chose to prioritize worship, sacrifice, and the realignment of their hearts with God. The altar was not merely a physical structure but a picture of trust and dependence, and a reminder that what we prioritize is ultimately what we worship. Throughout Scripture, the altar points to both God’s provision and the need for atonement, ultimately leading to Jesus as the final and perfect sacrifice. That same idea carries over into the Feast of Booths, which reminded the people that God Himself is their true dwelling place, the one who provides for, protects, and sustains them. Together, these themes show that before anything is built in our lives, we are called to come back to God first, trusting Him in both fear and faith.