Nehemiah 8: Celebration and Revival
A LOOK AT church history seems to indicate that mature Christians have a pretty wide variety of religious emotions. That is, they know how to laugh, and they know how to weep. Sometimes we avoid crying and laughing because it implies that we are not stable. When we deny the variety of religious emotions that we find in the Bible, we are robbing ourselves. In this chapter of Nehemiah we see real repentance, contrition and weeping as well as great celebration and joy in doing what God wants. Without the exhilaration of celebration our tears of repentance would lead us into morbid introspection—something that would do us no good, because only God can handle our sins and shortcomings. But without true repentance and contrition we really do not find joy of the kind this chapter demonstrates.
Warming Up to God
What has God's forgiveness meant for you? Recall a specific instance when God's tangible grace intersected your life. Dwell upon it for a few moments and let the remembrance of God's overflowing goodness refresh your soul.
Read Nehemiah 8. »
Discovering the Word
- The seventh month was one of great importance to the Jews. It was to include several feasts as well as the great Day of Atonement. What prompted the people to meet together?
- What were the qualifications of those who attended (vv. 2-3)?
- What statements show the reverence and seriousness of the people as they receive the Word of God (vv. 3-12)?
- Who assembles the second day (v. 13)? Why do you think this is?
- Verse 17 says that all the people had great joy. What was the reason for this?
Applying the Word
- How much is celebration a part of your regular Christian life?
- How do Christians you know show the great joy they have from obeying God's Word?
- Many Christians do not have much joy because they don't take obedience to God's Word seriously or make it a priority in their lives. How will you guard against that in your life?
Responding in Prayer
Spend some time in prayer and celebrate all the many ways the Lord has provided for you and forgiven your sins.
For Further Study
Worship & Celebration by Jan Johnson