Read: Nehemiah 7-8:12
Many exiles had come back to Jerusalem but few had opted to live in the city. None of them had rebuilt the city so God moved Nehemiah to number them. God had told David not to number the people because it would make David proud of his kingdom. God told Nehemiah to number the people so the people would be honored to be a part of God’s family. There is something about knowing your name is written down and you belong to something. Our name is written down in the Book of Life.
Next the people gave because they realized they were a part of a great cause. They gave abundantly. Then they wanted to meet together and hear the law read and taught to them. They met on Roshashana and listened while Ezra stood on a platform and led the people in worship to God. He opened the book as all the people stood in respect to God and his Word. As they heard the law read and explained its meaning they realized how much they had strayed from obeying God and were very upset. Ezra, Nehemiah and the priests all agreed that this was not a time to cry but for joy. The joy of the Lord would be their strength. So they celebrated for joy!
How opposite this is from what the devil wants us to do. When we realize our sin, it is right to repent but then we need to let joy strengthen us. Once we have repented, God has forgotten it and we need to too. Condemnation wants us to wallow in guilt and remorse. God can redeem anything that we have done. He is much more powerful than sin.
Lord, help us to enter into joy because our names are written in your book and they will never be erased.
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