Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV)
Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink
sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is
holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your
strength.”
In the days of riverboats and single-sheet newspapers, the
American humorist Mark Twain tried to squelch a rumor. He wrote, “The reports
of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” It’s hard to see how such a rumor
could be only a little true, but some rumors are that way. Christians often
have the reputation of being glum, ridden by guilt. Though I believe such
descriptions are often exaggerated, we have to admit that there is some truth
in the stereotype. Like the Jews of Ezra and Nehemiah’s day, we often grieve
over our sins.
But such mourning can be overdone. Here in our Scripture
reading, God’s people have been saved from exile and are beginning to rebuild
their lives! Ezra comforts them and calls them to joy. Isaiah’s words are being
fulfilled: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to
Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that
her sin has been paid for”. And if this speaks to exiles who returned to
Jerusalem, how much more does it speak to us, who have been brought out of the
exile of sin by the redemption of Jesus Christ!
We have a lot to do in building the city of God. We read in
Proverbs 17:22: “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries
up the bones.” The joy of salvation gives us strength to push ahead.
Dear Lord, You said You would build Your church. Strengthen
our hands with joy to work with You. Give us cheerful hearts, knowing You have
given us new life! In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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