Read Nehemiah 8 10 Ezra renews he covenant

Then he said to them, Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength. (

The wall was completed. Nehemiah and his team had overcome the oppositions. He had resolved the internal issues. He had gone through the list of exile to enrol them in staying the city and building their houses. Ezra was called upon to read the law. Now, he encouraged the people to feast as a way of celebration and a thanksgiving to God. The people responded with weeping and followed with joy.

How does joy come? The source is God. Sing to the LORD, all the earth; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples...Honor and majesty are before Him; Strength and gladness are in His place. (

Joy comes from the love for the law of the Lord. They stood to listen for six hours from morning to noon (:5 6). It was accompanied with passionate worship. It was time of submitting to God and His way over them. There was emotional involvement with God (:7 8). The law read came with meaning and personal applications as the people understood.

Joy comes through obedience of the law. Obedience presumes an understanding of the word in applications. They were called upon to celebrate and staying in booths. It was a way of reminding themselves of their tradition So the whole assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and sat under the booths; for since the days of Joshua the son of Nun until that day the children of Israel had not done so. And there was very great gladness.

We need our strength to be renewed daily and this happens when there is joy. Therefore, let our focus be on God Himself, partake His word and walk in obedience.

Prayer: Father, You are our joy. Each time we celebrate the Holy Communion we are reminded of the walls of our lives are restored. You now dwell within and thus our joy. While reading and meditating on Your word and obeying it we are sustained with the joy of the Lord.

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