From This Time Forward

O. T. #1067  "From This Time Forward"
Sept. 25, 2017
Nehemiah 8-Part 3
And there was very great gladness. Nehemiah 8:17b

LET IT GLOW

Perhaps it was during a revival meeting, or after a near death experience, or after God brought us through a trying time in our life, that we made the commitment from this time forward to follow Jesus with all of our heart. We decided to be faithful to reading His Word daily, praying deeper, and obeying the leading of His Spirit. Such a commitment is usually followed by repentance of our sins. Then joy comes as it did with the Israelites in this chapter.

The Jews listened to Ezra read the Law of Moses for 6 hours. Then they repented, rejoiced, and ate food and drank, sharing with others.
What happened on the second day of their gathering together?

• There was a meeting of family leaders, priests, and Levites met with Ezra the scribe to go over the Law in greater detail.  (verse 13)
• While studying the Law, they discovered the Lord commanded Israel to live in shelters, tabernacles, booths, during the festival to be held during that very month. This celebration was known as the Feast of Tabernacles, which reminded Israel of their forefathers living in such tents as they wondered in the wilderness, freed from Egyptian slavery, and entering the Promised Land (conquering it). They gathered branches from olive, pine, myrtle, and palm trees for such a temporary housing lasting 7 days. It illustrated God's provision and protection during those years.
• Word was spread in all Jerusalem and their cities-it was time for the Feast of Tabernacles to be observed. (verse 15)
• These Jews obeyed God's Word as they built shelters in the courtyards, Temple courts, on the public squared of the Water Gate and the Ephraim Gate. (verse 16)
• They celebrated the festival with great joy, which had not been done since the days of Joshua.
• There was very great gladness. (verse 17)

Have we quit celebrating the Lord's Day, worshiping on Sunday our Risen Lord Jesus? We remember His birth and resurrection on days set aside for celebration, but are we thankful for them every day?

LET IT GROW

The celebration lasted 7 days as instructed in God's Word. During that time, Ezra read  in the book of the law of God daily. The long forgotten Feast of Tabernacles was faithfully reinstituted. What a spiritual awakening.

In his study guide, Hand Me Another Brick: Timeless Lessons on Leadership, Charles R. Swindoll gives this overview of chapter 8:

The Israelites met for a time of corporate prayer. The celebration brought them to an understanding of both the holiness of God and the depth of their sins, which led to an expression of deep sorrow and humility. Together they prayed, offering up sincere confession as well as thanksgiving and praise. And they committed to change-to study and obey God's commands from that point forward. The Israelites' example provides guidelines for the discipline of prayer that are meaningful, logical, and relevant for us today.

Are we wandering around in our wilderness without God's Word as a guide? Will we ask others the same question?
Have we made such a faithful follower commitment to Jesus lately? If not, today is a good day for it.
Is very great gladness missing in our life?

LET IT GO

Get back to serving Jesus more faithfully.
Obey His Word.
Praise Jesus for His freedom from sin.

*Please remember my husband as he has knee replacement today. Thanks y'all. Love you.