Daily Scripture Threshing for Wednesday, July 14, 2021
Today’s Text: Nehemiah 8:1-12
Key Verses: Nehemiah 8:10 (ESV): “Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Among the things that make us truly human are our limitations, and our dependence on God. What can we do without God?! Nothing! Indeed, no one can overcome his own flesh, and all his limitations except he depends on God. Jesus describes the true relation between God and us in the imagery of the vine. No man could be a fruitful branch except he abides in Christ (John 15:5). The people of Israel learnt this in a hard way so that they constantly return to God whenever they find themselves swaying from him. And they have become example unto us today. We don’t have to learn in a hard way if we let the righteousness of God and his word guide us.
The more we get closer to God, the more our weaknesses and dependence appear; and the more sorrow for sin we feel. During the days of Nehemiah, God was bringing the exiled Israel back to Himself; but the people wept to see how, despite their sins, God was still reconciling them to Himself. The Gospel proclaims mercy, not judgment; reconciliation, and not condemnation. However, people must come with sorrow for sin. Whosoever approaches Christ with such contrite and penitent spirit is able to appropriate the atonement of Christ. For such, there is no more time or reason to weep. Jesus turns tears to praise, and mourning into dancing. Peter said: “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (Acts 3:19)
There is joy in heaven; and therefore, earth’s sorrow for sin is melted into righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. That joy, Nehemiah called, the joy of the Lord. It gives strength to deal with the besetting power and weaknesses of the flesh. That is why Nehemiah opines that we cannot have such joy and keep it under. We must express the same to our neighbors in gospel witness, and in cheerful beneficence. Any gospel that fails in this regard is gossip. Our song must always be that of Erdmann Neumeister: “Sinners Jesus will receive:
Sound this word of grace to all
Who the heav'nly pathway leave,
All who linger, all who fall.”
Nehemiah’s believes that our joys will be fuller, and our portions sweeter when we share with those for whom nothing is prepared.
Quote for the Day: “The gospel of Jesus Christ brings people broken and sorrowful for sin; but sends them forth in the joy of salvation.” (Simon Olatunji)
Prayer: Dear Lord, like the woman at the well, I come thirsty and needy. Please do not let me flee from you until I have connected the soul lifting joy of your presence, in Jesus' name. Amen.
With all my love and prayers,
Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.
The Darling Bishop (DaBishop)
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