Passage Read: Nehemiah 8-11
Meditation Verses: 8:9-10
Thought
All the people were weeping as they heard the Law of the Lord. That is a good sign! Their struck to the heart over their ignorance of God's Law and disobedience to it. They're ashamed of their behavior and grieved that they have put the Lord to shame. That is a cause for rejoicing! That the people recognize their sin and are grieved over it, grieved to the point of being willing to repent! That is cause for great joy! That may not be the meaning of the leaders here, but people who see how they've done wrong and now desire to make things right, that is what Paul calls godly repentance that brings life and leaves no regret. That is cause for celebration.
Application
The joy of the Lord is my strength when I come face to face with His Word and see where I fall short and where I need to grow and change, by the power of His grace. The joy of the Lord is my strength because He has paid the penalty for my sin and will not condemn me; He paid my penalty because He desired to redeem me out from under condemnation. He has done everything I need to restore me to right relationship with Him. He has desired me and rescued me and brought me near to Himself, not to destroy me but to enjoy me. That is cause for celebration, but it also means learning how to live in His household. Yes, I will discover where I fall short, but He doesn't teach me in order to justify His condemnation. He shows me His ways in order to lead me in them. He redeems me so as to disciple me.