A Faithful God Leads His People to Joy

Pastoral Reading. Nehemiah 12:27-30

Nehemiah 12:27–30 NKJV

Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings and singing, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps. And the sons of the singers gathered together from the countryside around Jerusalem, from the villages of the Netophathites, from the house of Gilgal, and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth; for the singers had built themselves villages all around Jerusalem. Then the priests and Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, the gates, and the wall.

Nehemiah 12:47 NKJV

In the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah all Israel gave the portions for the singers and the gatekeepers, a portion for each day. They also consecrated holy things for the Levites, and the Levites consecrated them for the children of Aaron.

Pastoral Prayer for the Worship Service and the Preaching of His Word.

The question we must answer today is first, Where do I find my everyday joy? Second, Is YHWH my source of daily joy?

The World Gives Happiness; YHWH Secures Eternal Joy

There is nothing in afflictions which ought to disturb our joy.

John Calvin (French Reformer)

The people went into exile because they were seeking individual happiness, following their kings, prophets, and priests.

Their misplaced confidence led them to suffering, sorrow, and identity dissonance.

Through obedient servants, the LORD led the people on a journey that culminated in unspeakable joy.

Deuteronomy 32:43 NKJV

“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people; For He will avenge the blood of His servants, And render vengeance to His adversaries; He will provide atonement for His land and His people.”

The book of Deuteronomy showcases the greatest joy for the disciple of Jesus Christ: the chief and greatest joy in life is to be counted among those trusting God’s atonement for their lives against their sin. We must ask ourselves individually and collectively, “Am I living out the joy God provided for us through the empty tomb?”

Joy Demands Community for Celebration

All our life is a celebration for us; we are convinced, in fact, that God is always everywhere. We sing while we work, we sing hymns while we sail, we pray while we carry out all life’s other occupations.

Clement of Alexandria

The people come face to face with the reality of their reunification—YHWH is the one who leads them, protects them, and secures them for eternity.

YHWH restores them to their identity as a people not like those around them. Israel showcases what the LORD will do through the universal Church—people from every people, nation, and tongue.

For Christians, the ultimate place of celebration is not a wall surrounding the city but the presence of the living God.

Luke 15:22–24 NKJV

“But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ And they began to be merry.

The People of Jerusalem during Nehemiah's time and Ezra's return of the exiles show us God's redeeming power among those called by His name. We also see the result in the people's lives, which is reverent joy and transformed communities.

Worship is the Highest Form of Celebration for God’s People.

Unless men see a beauty and delight in the worship of God, they will not do it willingly.

John Owen (Puritan Divine and Statesman)

The Leaders, Ezra, and Nehemiah, led the congregation in song and procession as the wall, gates, and city were rededicated to God.

The Priests, Levites, and Temple servants all participate in the celebration and the people alongside them.

The culmination of the celebration is exuberant generosity and gladness among the people for all God has done.

Isaiah 32:8 NKJV

But a generous man devises generous things, And by generosity he shall stand.

What response does the LORD demand?

We are called to a faithful community.

We must celebrate in light of God’s work among His people.

We must follow as the LORD leads us to give back to Him in light of His faithfulness.

My Response:

Repent of your sins & Confess Jesus Christ as Lord.

Join the Local Church.

Become a Disciple Maker for God’s glory.