The walls had been
rebuilt. Now, they were “dedicated” to God (Nehemiah 12:27). Was a time
of great joy (Nehemiah 12:27,43). The people of God sand “songs of
praise and thanksgiving to God” (Nehemiah 12:46). As well as singing
praise to God, the Lord’s people listened to His Word (Nehemiah 13:1).
Sometimes, after happy times among God’s people, there can be a time of
decline - “Why is God’s Temple being neglected?” (Nehemiah 13:11). We
must not live in the past. Our walk with God must continue. There must
be an ongoing fellowship with the Lord. If there is to be a closer walk
with God, we must always remember that this is not our own doing. It is
the loving kindness of God, reaching out to us: “Remember Me ... My God
... Since You are very kind” (Nehemiah 13:22). His kindness brings
blessing into our lives: “Remember me, my God, for my benefit” (Nehemiah
13:31).
“At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem”, the keynote of the service was joyful thanksgiving. They gathered together “to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving” (Nehemiah 12:27). “On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy” (Nehemiah 12:43). They sang “songs of praise and thanksgiving to God” (Nehemiah 12:46). This joyful thanksgiving is only a foretaste of the greater joy and thanksgiving of heaven: “There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:4). In the city of God, “the glory of God” will be shining with everlasting brightness (Revelation 21:23). The Church of God will be “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Revelation 21:2). The beautiful picture of the godly wife in Proverbs 31 gives us an outline of what God is seeking to do in His people. It is summarized in Proverbs 31:30: “A woman who fears the Lord is to be
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