The Israelites Get It Right

There are many times throughout scripture when the Israelites go down the wrong path in their relationship with God. Over and over, we see them chase after worthless, man-made idols, or allow pagan nations to infiltrate their lives when God wants them to be a holy nation unto Himself. It's almost as if we can learn how not to live when we read about them more than we can learn how to live correctly.

There are instances, though, when they get it right. They do what is pleasing to God and, therefore, give us an example of how we should live our lives in Christ. One of those times is in the book of Nehemiah. Under the leadership of Nehemiah, God's people rebuilt the wall that surrounded the city of Jerusalem. They did this in just 52 days, all while facing threats and mockery from the leaders of surrounding nations. While this is a great testament to their commitment and perseverance to God, their heart for God is shown in Nehemiah 8. They show four attributes in this chapter that should be evident in all our lives...

Reverence

After the wall was built, God's people joined together for a festival (the Festival of Trumpets) to celebrate the new year on the Hebrew calendar. Ezra the priest read from the Book of the Law of Moses "from early morning until noon and read aloud to everyone who could understand. All the people listened closely to the Book of the Law" (Neh. 8:3). Did the Israelites get bored listening to God's Word all morning? Did they get irritated at Ezra for making them late for lunch? No, "they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground" (Neh. 8:6). They showed a reverence for God and His Word that we lack in the Church today.

Repentance

When God's Word was read and explained to the people, they were convicted of their sin, "for the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law" (Neh. 8:9). This is a proper response to their conviction of sin, and was an outward response of their repentant heart collectively. But, this festival was a time of celebrating the new year, and Nehemiah and Ezra encouraged them, "don't mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the Lord your God" (Neh. 8:9).

Rejoice

Not only should they not mourn or weep, Nehemiah urged them to rejoice in their God, much like we do during times of celebration. "Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. Don't be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength" (Neh. 8:10).

Revival

Because the Israelites had the proper reverence for God and His Word, showed repentance for their sins, and rejoiced in the Lord, revival took place in their lives. "So the people went away, to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God's words and understood them." (Neh. 8:12). "They were all filled with great joy," and "had not celebrated like this since the days of Joshua son of Nun" (Neh. 8:17).

We, like the Israelites in the book of Nehemiah, are about to celebrate a new year. No matter what has happened in 2011, let us choose to follow their example in 2012 of reverence, repentance, and rejoicing. When we do, we will experience revival in our relationship with Christ!