By Kenneth B.E. Roxburgh, Ph.D.
Chair and Armstrong Professor of Religion, Samford University
Praise
Nehemiah 8:9–12; 12:27–31a
The pursuit of happiness, noted at the beginning of the Declaration of Independence, is never to be found in selfish pursuits but always in the honor of God and a life of obedience.
This is what one political and religious leader discovered on two occasions, some 400 years before the incarnation of our Lord.
Respond to God with both repentance and celebration. (8:9–12)
As Ezra and Nehemiah were leading the people of God in the public reading of the law, the response was one of utter seriousness, of mourning over their sin and crying out to God for mercy. Suddenly the leaders tell them this day is holy to the Lord and urge them to stop their mourning and weeping “for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Reading the word of the Lord led to understanding of His requirements and also to great joy. Nehemiah is reminding us that we find our joy in the Lord and that this is the joy of the Lord which fills our minds and hearts. Joy in the Lord reflects a commitment to God, to His ways, to His word and to a life of faith, trust and obedience.
Within 10 days this holiday would be followed by the Day of Atonement. On that day, as the high priest confessed the sins of God’s people, the lamb would be sacrificed, sin would be atoned for and forgiveness would be granted. The knowledge that God is merciful, that sins can be forgiven, that prayers can be answered and that God can draw close to comfort brings joy, gladness and even laughter into the people of God.
Included in their celebrations, however, was a little phrase that spoke of “sending portions of food” to people who were in need, poor and hungry.
Worship always leads to serving others, to meeting their needs out of the extravagance of grace which we have received. As Martin Luther expressed it: “Hence as our heavenly Father has in Christ freely come to our aid, we ought also freely to help our neighbor.”
Rejoice and give thanks to God for His grace. (12:27-31a)
This final section of the book focuses on the dedication of the rebuilt wall. The Levites led the people of Israel to celebrate the dedication with rejoicing, with thanksgivings and singing, with cymbals, harps and lyres. The day was marked by large choirs, great joy and many affirmations of thanksgiving.
More than a wall was being celebrated. It was a time of the renewal of faith and commitment. God had blessed them with a new future and that future was as bright as the promises of God.
The authors of the Westminster Shorter Catechism instruct us that our “chief end is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.” This is true worship, as William Temple reminds us, “worship is … the most selfless emotion of which our nature is capable, and therefore the chief remedy for (our) self-centeredness.”
They dedicated not only the city walls but their own lives to whatever the future held.
Such dedication is offering the work of our human hands into God’s ownership, living thankfully and expectantly, continuing to do God’s work as we live in accordance with His will and contributing to the extension of His Kingdom.
As one hymnist wrote: “There is no peace, no joy, no thrill / Like walking in His will / For me to live is Christ, to die is gain.”
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