August 14: Of the 4 Rs: Relationship, Reading, Rejoicing and Remembering

Nehemiah 7:73b-9:21

1 Corinthians 9:1-18

Psalm 33:12-22

Proverbs 21:11-12

Reading the book of Nehemiah to this point, the return to Jerusalem and reconstruction of the wall appears to be in response to a human desire - the wish to return, from captivity and exile, to the security of one's home.   In all we've read in this book to this point, every spiritual interaction appears to have been exclusively between Nehemiah and God.  That changed today, when Ezra reads from the Book fo the Law of Moses, which God had commanded Israel do.  Three observations:

1. READING.  This wasn't a quickie.  It involved time, attention and effort.  Ezra "read it aloud from daybreak till noon…and all the people listened attentively…". Relationships - the ones that mean anything to us - and acquaintances we want to develop into relationships - they require time, attention and effort.  

2. REJOICING.  This wasn't occasion for mourning.  Moments of reconciliation and reunification never are.  It appears some of the Israelites, when they realized Who God was, and how they'd neglected His Word and commands, were tempted to mourn and weep.  But while repentance may be called for, Ezra - in a foreshadowing of the father of the prodigal son - instructed the people not to mourn or weep.  "Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks…for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

3. REMEMBERING.  To anchor the relationship for the future, we need to remember the relationship's past.  In Nehemiah 9:5-16 the Levites declared to God, and in so doing, reminded themselves, of all that God had done.  They reminded themselves why it was good to be in a relationship with God.  

Three takeaways for me today from Nehemiah, in order to grow my relationship with God.  Read.  Rejoice.  And Remember.  Father, today and always, give me the desire to strengthen my relationship with You the way the Israelites did.