October 11

Law and Covenant - Nehemiah 8:1-18, 9:1-38, 10:1-39

Two images that come up when you google "The joy of the Lord is my strength." They suggest how far apart are our understandings of this praise. One, cute and cuddly and consumer-based. One, boldly, painfully, powerfully real.

Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law.

Nehemiah said, "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." Nehemiah 8:9-10

We come to the word and mourn and weep over our sin. Perhaps the proper response is to rejoice in God's love and our salvation through Jesus? We are stronger in joy, more beautiful in joy and will draw others to us in joy. The time of mourning is done. It's morning and time for celebration for He has risen.

Lord knows.