Rise & Rebuild: Celebrations for Spiritual Renewal
May 26, 2024 • Reverend Harry Cox • Nehemiah 8
We are continuing our mini-series, “Rise and Rebuild.” Wherever there is brokenness, including broken systems, relationships, or communities in this world, there is a need for repair and healing. Pastor Tammy Long has delivered three messages covering Nehemiah Chapters 1 through 4 in this Rise and Rebuild miniseries. Nehemiah was deeply troubled by the literal broken walls around Jerusalem, which left his people vulnerable, unprotected, and in disgrace. Brokenness in the fallen world needing repair and healing includes broken systems, relationships, or communities. He went to God in prayer with fasting and mourning. God gave him a vision. Nehemiah assessed the situation and mobilized the diverse community. Nehemiah faced opposition and internal struggles like fatigue and fear. Continual prayer and action in support of the vision got Nehemiah through it.
This message in the Rise and Rebuild miniseries is focused on Nehemiah Chapter 8. As recorded in Nehemiah 6:15-16, rebuilding the wall was finished and perceived by all as accomplished with the help of God. Nehemiah continued to mobilize the community guided by the vision from God. Here is a summary of 7 applications to our lives today of Nehemiah Chapter 8 that this message will explore. (1) Reading or hearing God’s Word with explanations to ensure understanding can be convicting with feelings of falling short. (2)Careful examination of God’s Word leads to obedience. (3) We may then engage in self-remorse or cry, but instead, God wants us to celebrate. (4) God directs us to spiritual renewal in our celebration. (5) Celebrations can be spiritual renewals if we have God as part of our celebrations. (6) The spiritual renewal will point out, transform us, and remind us about the attributes of God and what God has done to bless us, our ancestors, and God’s people. (7) The Hebrew language words convey truths that point to the Good News Gospel of Christ. These words in the Hebrew of the Old Testament facilitate obedient celebrations of the right relationship with God both for the Israelites in 845 BC and for us today. The Israelite's use of the Hebrew words translated town, people, water, scribe, priest, bless, amen, hand, holy, and strength in Nehemiah 8 facilitate obedience in embracing celebration for spiritual renewal in the joy of relationship with God. These are words celebrating the joy of God’s mercy and forgiveness as we remember what God has done for us, our ancestors, and God’s people. This is not self-absorbed condemnation based on our falling short, but joy in celebrating and trusting in Jesus Christ.
Let each of us read and hear the Word of God, pray, and teach for understanding just as Ezra and the Jewish leaders did. Let’s worship God with joy because when we hear the Word of God and obey, we are truly living and experiencing spiritual renewal.
