Daily Devotion, August 18, 2021

 

Devotion:

Read Nehemiah 8:9-10.

We are learning much during this global pandemic. We are re-learning the great joy in gathering together to worship God. In the music, singing, praying, scripture, message and invitation, we remember once again that God indeed is our stronghold. God is present with us, our strength and the source of our joy!

The Hebrew people had not been in a pandemic, but they had been in exile in Babylon for many years. Now they had returned to Jerusalem and had rebuilt the temple and the walls around Jerusalem. Now they could again gather to hear the scriptures read and to worship God!

Picture yourself in this gathering among the Hebrew people.  You have returned from being exiled in Babylon to find Jerusalem in rubble. You have been working diligently to rebuild the temple and the wall. Finally, you are able to gather together to hear the book of the law of Moses, which the Lord had given to Israel. You are unable to read the scriptures for yourself, and you have not heard these words for many years. After being in exile, your language is Arabic, and you have deep gratitude for the interpretation so that you can understand the reading.

There were no microphones to give volume to Ezra’s and Nehemiah’s voices. Perhaps you could “hear a pin drop” because you along with all gathered are so hungry to hear God’s word. But you are fearful for having been away from God for so long.

Dr. Kathleen M. O’ Connor writes, “When Nehemiah urges them neither to weep nor to lament, the text implies they have forgotten God’s law. Rather than grieving their infidelity, Nehemiah calls them to ‘feast on fat and sweet wine, and to send some to those who do not have any… for the joy of the Lord is your strength.’”

In this hearing they remember who God was and is, and that they belonged to God. They remember God is with them. They remember their strength comes from God’s presence with them and God’s presence is the source of their joy!

Personal Worship Option:

God is with you wherever you are today. God’s presence and joy will be strength for you.  Remember to share your feast with those who do not have any. Amen.