Bible Reading: Nehemiah 12-13; Acts 4:23-37
“Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.” – Nehemiah12:43 (KJV)
After the ruins, the wall of Jerusalem was rebuilt following the passion and zeal of Nehemiah and the commitment of the people, seasons of joyful celebration sets in. All the priests and Levites are appropriately given their right station and role to minister. And then the formal dedication of the wall and setting apart of the edifice to the glory of God. The Levites and the singers are there to lead in worship. Nehemiah, appoints two great choirs for giving of thanks in procession, one to the south, and the other choir to the north, and both choirs, the leaders and all the singers were in the house of God, and great sacrifices were made, and the rejoicing of Jerusalem was heard far away.
It is good to celebrate God’s victories. There are moments to gather together and praise God for this is what God desires from us. “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV). As believers and members of the body of Christ, we are admonished to rejoice always, because that is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus. “Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.” – Philippians 4:4
If they rejoiced at the wall, at Jerusalem, at the temple for rebuilding, how much more are we to rejoice at the atoning death, resurrection, ascension, gift of the Spirit, and the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ! We are to rejoice, and rejoice again for the redemption and regeneration of mankind through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Looking through how God has brought us through, if we can just sit back, recollect and meditate on what God has done in our life. Taking account all God’s benefits towards us, from the salvation of our soul to all the answered prayers we enjoy since we believed, God deserves our praise. Praise Him for His wisdom that is far above ours. Praise Him that He is sovereign and all knowing, ever faithful and loving-kindness. Praise Him for daily sustaining the sun, the moon and the stars. Praise Him for grace that we all enjoy as a free gift to His finished work, and all other blessings of redemption freely given to us to enjoy. “That in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” – Ephesians 2:7-9 (KJV).
Let us draw near to God with faith and rejoice in his presence continually, and then we will enjoy increase and multiplication of God’s blessings in our lives.
Prayer: Father, Let my joy be multiplied, exuberant, and unspeakable full of glory.
Pastor Alfred Samuel