The Joy of the LordSample

The Joy of the Lord by Pastor Mike Kai

Senior Pastor of Inspire Church - Oahu, Hawaii

Scripture

Nehemiah 8:10, "And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”

Observation

The people of Israel had great reason to rejoice. But, they also had good reason to be sad. It's a very interesting and unique time in Israel. On the one hand, their shame and reproach of their walls being torn down and their gates being burned was gone. Everything had been built in phases. The temple which is critically important to re-establish their center of worship to Yahweh and offer sacrifices which was central to their beliefs. 

Application

I like to correlate the temple being rebuilt to when we give our life to Jesus and how The Holy Spirit lives inside of us and we communicate directly with God. Phase one is complete. But, for too long Phase two was neglected because of different priorities. The walls stood unrestored and the gates were left wide open vulnerable to enemy attacks, scrutiny, and worst of all, mockery. I like to relate the walls and gates to our soul -- our will, intellect and emotions. But, when God begins a rebuilding project, he doesn't start because, for one reason or another, we have not participated or allowed in the healing process for our gates to be restored and our walls to be built up!  Miraculously, after all those years of neglect, Israel rebuilt it in 52 days! When the word of the Lord was brought out once more the people rejoiced! But, they were also sad because they mourned what they lost in the past. Does it sound a little bit like what you go through at times? It does for me, to be honest. Let's put it behind us, learn the lessons, and rebuild, fully empowered by the joy of the Lord as our strength!

Prayer

Dear Lord, Forgive us for putting our priorities above You and help us learn the lessons of the people who rebuilt Jerusalem and its walls and gates, and as we continue to rebuild areas of our lives in the coming year, please help us remember that the joy of You Lord is our strength!