Today, as we come to the end of Nehemiah, we see rejoicing, singing, and concern. As God’s people dedicated the wall of Jerusalem, it was a joyous day. And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away. (Nehemiah 12:43, ESV) According to this, the joy of this occasion was heard in neighboring towns. God intends for His people to be happy, joyful people!
On this same day, the Book of Moses was read to them, and in doing so, they discovered they were sinning against God. This was a great concern! On that same day, as the Book of Moses was being read to the people, the passage was found that said no Ammonite or Moabite should ever be permitted to enter the assembly of God. (Nehemiah 13:1, NLT) The Bible says they “found” a passage they were not obeying. As a result, …all those of foreign descent were immediately excluded from the assembly. (Nehemiah 13:3, NLT) The point here is their response to the Word of God.
This situation reminded me of two verses in the Psalms that apply to all. How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. (Psalm 119:9, 11, NKJV) For Israel, reading the Word of God, or the Book of Moses, helped cleanse them from what led to their captivity! For us, the effect is the same. As we read the Word of God, we discover where we have sinned, that we might put away that sin and the bondage that comes with it. In many ways, the Word of God protects our joy! How is your joy? Are you in the Word? Believers, let your neighbors hear your joy—by taking heed to the Word of God!
Thank you for joining me as I read and journal chronologically through the Bible! This devotional reflection comes from Nehemiah 11-13.