Celebrate God’s Goodness

Nehemiah 12:43 ESV

And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

Introduction:

Have you ever felt a joy so overwhelming that you couldn’t keep silent? Maybe it was the birth of a child, a long-awaited victory, or the restoration of a broken relationship. That’s the kind of joy we see in Nehemiah 12 as God’s people celebrate the completion of the wall and God’s faithfulness.

We’ve journeyed through Nehemiah, witnessing the struggles and triumphs of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall. Now, in chapter 12, the focus shifts to celebration. The wall is complete, and it’s time for the people to dedicate this monumental achievement to God. This moment isn’t just about bricks and mortar—it’s about hearts and lives restored, and the glory of God’s name proclaimed among the nations.

Dominant Thought: We celebrate God’s faithfulness by dedicating our lives to His purpose, boldly proclaiming His goodness, and uniting in worship, reflecting the joy and restoration He brings to our lives and community.

Transition: Just as the people of Jerusalem gathered to celebrate the completion of the wall, we, too, are called to celebrate the amazing things God has done in our lives and community. But how do we truly honor God’s faithfulness in our lives today? Nehemiah 12 shows us three powerful ways to express our joy and gratitude, the first of which is. . .

Dedicate Your Life to God’s Purpose (Nehemiah 12:27-30)

Nehemiah 12:27–30 ESV

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with thanksgivings and with singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres. And the sons of the singers gathered together from the district surrounding Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites; also from Beth-gilgal and from the region of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built for themselves villages around Jerusalem. And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates and the wall.

Exposition: The people gathered from surrounding areas, bringing singers, musicians, and Levites to celebrate. This wasn’t just any dedication—it was a sacred, joyful act of worship. Nehemiah emphasized purification before the celebration, indicating that true worship requires purity of heart and a commitment to holiness.

Word Study: The word for “purify” in Hebrew, taher, means to cleanse or make free from defilement, highlighting the importance of spiritual and physical preparation before approaching God.

Illustration: A young man named Lucas always sought success in his career but felt empty despite his achievements. One night, he prayed for guidance and felt a calling to dedicate his life to missions overseas. He left a promising career and spent years serving impoverished communities, sharing God's love. Years later, Lucas reflected on his life, realizing that true fulfillment came not from personal success but from following God’s purpose. This illustrates that God’s plans for us often lead to deeper satisfaction than we could imagine, urging us to prioritize dedication over ambition.

Application: God desires our dedication, not just of our time and resources, but our entire lives. Let us come before Him, confessing our sins and purifying our hearts, dedicating ourselves anew to His service.

Transition: As the people dedicated themselves and the wall, they were also preparing to proclaim God’s goodness. This leads us to the next aspect of their celebration—the joy of proclamation.

Proclaim God’s Goodness Boldly (Nehemiah 12:31-39)

Nehemiah 12:31–39 ESV

Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks. One went to the south on the wall to the Dung Gate. And after them went Hoshaiah and half of the leaders of Judah, and Azariah, Ezra, Meshullam, Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, and Jeremiah, and certain of the priests’ sons with trumpets: Zechariah the son of Jonathan, son of Shemaiah, son of Mattaniah, son of Micaiah, son of Zaccur, son of Asaph; and his relatives, Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. And Ezra the scribe went before them. At the Fountain Gate they went up straight before them by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, to the Water Gate on the east. The other choir of those who gave thanks went to the north, and I followed them with half of the people, on the wall, above the Tower of the Ovens, to the Broad Wall, and above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Gate of Yeshanah, and by the Fish Gate and the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate; and they came to a halt at the Gate of the Guard.

Exposition: Nehemiah appointed two large choirs to go in opposite directions along the wall. This was not just a logistical move but a powerful symbol of God’s people covering the entire city with praise. The sound of worship would have echoed throughout Jerusalem, proclaiming God’s faithfulness and His mighty acts.

Word Study: The word “proclaim” in Hebrew, qara, means to call out, to read aloud, to make known. It implies a public declaration of God’s deeds, an invitation to others to hear and respond.

Illustration: A young girl stood in a packed stadium, her eyes gleaming with excitement as she cheered for her favorite team. She didn’t hold back; she didn’t care who saw her leap, dance, and shout praises. That night, I realized how often we reserve our praises for things that hold worldly significance. God deserves that same unreserved enthusiasm. When we praise Him, we should do it with the same fervor and joy, letting nothing hold us back from expressing our love and admiration for Him.

Application: We, too, are called to proclaim God’s goodness wherever we go—in our homes, workplaces, and communities. How often do we share the story of God’s faithfulness in our lives? Let’s commit to being bold in our proclamation, letting our joy in the Lord be evident to all around us.

Transition: As the choirs moved around the wall, their paths converged at the Temple, symbolizing unity and the centrality of God in their celebration. This leads to the final point—the joy of unity.

Unite in Worship and Purpose (Nehemiah 12:40-43)

Nehemiah 12:40–43 ESV

So both choirs of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God, and I and half of the officials with me; and the priests Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets; and Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang with Jezrahiah as their leader. And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.

Exposition: The choirs, the leaders, and the people gathered at the Temple, offering sacrifices and rejoicing. The sound of their joy was heard far away. This unity in worship was a testimony to God’s restoring power—not only had He restored the wall, but He was restoring the hearts of His people.

Word Study: The Hebrew word for “rejoice,” samach, means to be joyful, to brighten up, to be glad. This word conveys the deep, overflowing joy that comes from being in God’s presence and seeing His hand at work.

Illustration: When we join together for our annual day or a church anniversary celebration, highlighting the strength and joy that comes from unity.

Application: True joy comes from being united in purpose and worship. When we come together, setting aside our differences and focusing on God, our collective worship becomes a powerful testimony to those around us. Let’s strive for unity in our church, our families, and our community, reflecting the love and harmony that God desires for His people.

Transition: Just as the people’s joy and unity were a testimony to God’s greatness, our worship and unity should also reflect His glory and draw others to Him.

Conclusion:

Beloved, as we look at this scene of dedication, proclamation, and unity, we are reminded that our God is a God of restoration. Just as He restored the walls of Jerusalem, He is restoring hearts, families, and communities today. Let us dedicate ourselves to Him anew, boldly proclaiming His goodness and living in unity with one another. And above all, let us remember the greatest restoration of all—when Jesus Christ gave His life to restore our broken relationship with God. As we lift our voices in praise, may our worship be a witness to the world of the God who saves, restores, and makes all things new.

I challenge you this week to find a specific way to dedicate your time, talents, and treasures to God. Share His goodness with someone who needs encouragement, and seek to build unity wherever you go. Let’s be a church that reflects the joy of God’s restoration in everything we do.

And as we rejoice in what God has done and is doing, let us never forget the ultimate reason for our joy—Jesus Christ, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising its shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. It is in Him we have our greatest reason to celebrate, for through His death, burial, and resurrection, He has restored us to Himself, giving us a hope and a future.