Day 76
Nehemiah 8:9-10 NIV
"Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, 'This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.' For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the law. Nehemiah said, 'Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred t,o, our Lord. Do not give, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.'
It is understandable that the Israelites would weep as they heard the law, because they were not keeping it. They could not keep what they did not know. Some were understanding for the first time. They were realizing that they were out of line with God's will. They were not keeping the law as required. However, to end with weeping would be to end with the wrong attitude. Once they heard and realized what to do, it was time to celebrate being able to do what God had requested.
We can be convicted because of what we hear, and feel sorry for our error. Nevertheless, after we are sorry and repent, rejoicing should follow. Then we should celebrate receiving knowledge, and plan to do what we know. To act otherwise is to act as though God is dead. If you memorize someone, there is a finality to the service. Whatever you did not do before could never be done. Discussing what the person wanted done that never was done can produce sorrow and end, at best, in solemnness. However, if the person were to come back to life, the ceremony would probably conclude on a high note. Laughter and applause would erupt as a plan is unveiled to accomplish what was not already done.
God is not dead. He is alive. We still have time to do what He wants. Let us rejoice in that, and get with it.
I will rejoice at the discovery of what God wants me to do. Sorrow will tum to laughter and mourning will tum to joy. Joy will give me strength to accomplish the task.