December 18 – Nehemiah 8

The Joy of the Lord is Your Strength

Request: Lord, open my eyes as I read your word, my ears to hear, my mind to understand, and my heart to be filled with your love. Amen.

Read Nehemiah 8

Record your favorite verse and comment if you want to share.

Respond with a prayer to God.

The book of Nehemiah tells of the rebuilding of the wall and gates around Jerusalem, and all the troubles involved during construction. Only a remnant remained in the city. The rest were captured and had been scattered abroad to other nations, just as God said would occur if they were unfaithful to Him and lived in disobedience. Word of the ruined state of Jerusalem reached Nehemiah, who was in exile, serving the king of Persia. His heart was broken by the news he heard, which led him to fast and pray to God in confession of the sins of his people, his family, and himself. He asked God to give him success in receiving permission to return to his homeland, and received it. Through much hardship and relying on God’s help, the rebuilding project was completed.

In chapter 8 of Nehemiah, the people requested the reading of the Book of the Law by Ezra, the priest, and were taught its meaning by the Levites for days. They now wanted to know what God had to say to them and were interested. They were saddened, grieved and wept, for they now understood the reason the Holy City had been in such a ruined state, and most of their people were gone.

But, Nehemiah and the Levites told them, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord, do not mourn or weep. For the joy of the Lord is your strength.” They were instructed to be glad and celebrate with joy, for what God had done. This restoration began in the heart of one man, Nehemiah, who God had strategically placed in the right place, at the right time, who was cut to the heart over the state of his people, including himself.

As with the sorrow and repentance over their sin as a people, so it is with us individually. The word of God is heard, we understand we have sinned against Him, and we repent and turn to Jesus, who took our sin upon Himself. This unbelievable exchange of His righteousness in payment for our sin, produces peace and joy in our hearts, thereby renewing us. In the book of Habakkuk (chapter 3), he describes this joy as in the “God of my salvation.” In Mary’s song, she says, “my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” (Luke 1:46-47). We are no longer condemned to death, but are at peace with God. Therefore, joy can be present, deep down in the center of our being, giving us a sense of well-being (shalom). This joy is a gift that truly surpasses understanding! It is a gift from God.

My verse: Nehemiah 8:12, “Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.”

Imagine the joy felt by these teachers of the law and priests because of the desire of these people to hear and be taught the meaning of God’s word. Isn’t that what we want now? When we have been forgiven, and the Holy Spirit gives us understanding, we naturally want the same for others. We want them to listen and gain insight. When this happens, it is cause for celebration!

My response: Oh Lord, my God, I am so very thankful for the faithful pastors and teachers God has ordained to teach me His Word and to help me understand it. May I never grow weary of hearing and reading Your Word. Give me understanding, so I may know how to live, and have continued joy in You, that I may pass on to others.