Thursday, March 27, 2014
so great to be able to expound on the whole book of Nehemiah in 2 night sessions! its an interesting book that is not only about building the wall of Jerusalem, but also building a people and a church of God! the building of the wall was only the means to an end and not an end in itself. why? because this would then allow the temple to be built and then the Israelites would again be able to be reconciled to God.
it was so amazing in the later chapters how after the walls were rebuilt and the temple, that the word of God was read out to the people. They didnt have bibles then, so this was the first time they were hearing the whole law. then the people began to weep! weeping in repentence and realising their sin and how far they fell short from God's commands. it made me realise how i take the word of God for granted. these people were hanging on every word that was said, because they didnt know when they would be able to hear it again! they didnt have the freedom to read the Bible as and when they wanted to.
but Nehemiah asked them to stop weeping for they could rejoice in the fact that they are reconciled to God! "the joy of the Lord was their strength/ stronghold"
'The believer who is in a spiritually healthy state rejoices mainly in God himself; he is happy because there is a God ... All the attributes of God become well-springs of joy to the believer who says "All these attributes of my God are mine: his power, my protection; his wisdom, my guidance; his faithfulness, my foundation; his grace, my salvation." He is a God who cannot lie, faithful and true to his promise; his is all love, and at the same time infinitely just, supremely holy .. The contemplation of God to one who knows that this is his God forever and ever, is enough to make the eyes overflow with tears, because of the deep, mysterious, unutterable bliss which fills the heart... How sweet is it to think over all the Lord has done; how he has revealed himself of old, and especially how he has displayed his glory in the covenant of grace, and in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ. How charming is the thought that he has revealed himself to me personally, and made me to see in my my Father, my friend, my helper, my God.' C. H. Spurgeon
reminds me of this song which could have captured the mood of the people when they heard the words of the law!
they realised how all the measures of the law pointed to a Holy God, who cannot stand sin. All these ceremonial steps that had to be taken to cleanse them of their sins! but the people just could not help but sin against this Holy God. But they all rejoiced at the fact that they could claim this joy of the Lord, which transcends all heartaches/ sickness/ trials/ troubles/ loss. such a privilege to be worshiping with one voice and one song and one mind to God! and to take the sacraments in remembrance of our only Hope of reconciliation, Jesus (:
"The joy of the Lord also springs from an assurance that all the future, whatever it may be, is guaranteed by divine goodness, that being children of God, the love of God towards remains unchangeable... However happy I may be today, if I am in doubt concerning tomorrow, there is a worm at the root of my peace... if the future be grim with fear, my joy is but shallow... But when I know that he whom I have rested in hath power and grace to complete that which he had begun in me; when I see to be a complete and eternal salvation; when I perceive that the promises are established upon an unchangeable basis, ratified by oath and sealed by blood, then my soul hath perfect contentment. It is true, that looking forward there may be seen long avenues of tribulation, but the glory is at the end of them; battles may be foreseen, and woe unto the man who does not expect them, but the eye of faith perceives the crown of victory." - C.H. Spurgeon
"And the singers sang aloud, with Jezrahiah their overseer. Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God has made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off." - Nehemiah 12:42-43
"until He comes!" together we sing!
avoid the aliens;
11:57 PM
