Nehemiah, the former cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, became governor of Jerusalem when the Lord’s people returned from captivity in Babylon. The priest Ezra was also a scribe, a copyist of biblical texts. Alongside them was a large group of Levites, Jews who served in the worship of God and taught the law of the Lord to the people. They summoned the residents of Jerusalem to a meeting they would hold in the city, for the divine presence among them would be great.  

At that meeting, it became evident that being religious does not please God, for those devoted only to rituals often reveal this through their emotional display before others. Some show a distressed countenance; others shed tears and appear sad, and most lament and cry out, and this has nothing to do with true fear of God. However, the verse under consideration makes it clear that the return from captivity should have been a reason for joy, not sorrow!

Many people truly believe and try to serve God, but they forget that He instructed them to do so with joy: Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing (Psalm 100.2). What will God say on the last day to those who serve Him with murmuring? Without a doubt, we must examine the way we present ourselves before our Father and Lord, or we will be severely rebuked in the presence of the saved.

Another harmful religious teaching is that of false modesty, through which some approach God claiming they have no worth and are merely miserable sinners forgiven by Christ, who died on the cross. Now, would you give your life for someone like that? While living in sin, one might say they were worthless; but since Jesus died and rose again to save you, it becomes clear that you are of great value to God. Reexamine your prayers!

The day mentioned by Nehemiah was consecrated to the Lord; therefore, it could not be a day of sadness, but of rejoicing. The people were expected to be joyful and encouraged. It was a time to celebrate their return home. In the same way, since we have been saved, every day is a day of celebration, thanksgiving, and tears of joy. We must not behave foolishly by despising the joy of the Lord, which is our strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Where is your joy, brother?

Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites declared that no one should be sad, showing defeat. No one should utter expressions of lament, pain, or weeping. The Lord must be remembered by His people as the Deliverer, not as an oppressor. The man of God must be prepared to give his best to the One who deserves it: God!

As the Jews present at that meeting read the Scriptures, many wept because of the Law, which had been neglected. This was evil in the sight of God. The way you listen to the Word reveals what is in your heart. Rejoice so that you may understand it!

           In Christ, with love,

          R. R. Soares