The Daily Word: Monday, August 17th, 2020
Nehemiah 12:27-13:31
1 Corinthians 11:1-16
Psalm 35:1-16
Proverbs 21:17-18
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
Now at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings and singing, with cymbals and stringed instruments and harps…So I brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall, and appointed two large thanksgiving choirs. – Neh. 12:27, 31a
Nehemiah and the remnant of people who returned to Jerusalem from captivity in Babylon had just finished rebuilding the wall around their city. So they celebrated. This wasn’t just a small party; it was a huge celebration! But why all the hubbub?
This wasn’t just a wall! This was a task from God. The completion of the wall wasn’t just about finishing a construction project; it represented a major victory. God’s people had successfully carried out the task that He had anointed them to fulfill. So they took time to celebrate.
Are you doing what God has called you to do? Celebrate that! Are you taking steps – whether small or large – towards becoming the person God has called you to be? Celebrate that! Don’t you remember what it felt like to be drifting through life before you met Jesus, not sure what you were put on earth to accomplish? God has delivered you from the pain and uncertainty of unfulfilled ambition! What a joy it is to be on the track God has given you, instead of lost in pursuit of your own desires!
Take time to celebrate today. You get to spend eternity with God in Heaven! And in light of that reality, you get to spend your days on earth joyfully completing the work He has given you to do.
Prayer:
Lord, remind me to take time to celebrate. I should be joyful over every victory in Christ, no matter how small or large! Thank You for delivering me from myself. I get to have joy because I am on Your path for me, instead of my path for me, in Jesus’ name!
Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014.
See commentary from this day in 2015.
See commentary from this day in 2016.
See commentary from this day in 2017.
See commentary from this day in 2018.
See commentary from this day in 2019.
© Michael D. White, 2020. All rights reserved.