The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—then instructed the people in the Law while everyone remained in their places. They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage. Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were interpreting for the people said to them, “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.” For the people had all been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!” And the Levites, too, quieted the people, telling them, “Hush! Don’t weep! For this is a sacred day.” So the people went away to eat and drink at a festive meal, to share gifts of food, and to celebrate with great joy because they had heard God’s words and understood them. [Nehemiah 8.7-12]
What was it about the Law of God that made the people weep and mourn when they understood it? It would have been conviction and remorse for their own sin and the sin of their people.
Okay, so... What sin or violation were they so convicted and remorseful about? It would have been many sins, but all stemming from idolatry. Idolatry is the overriding sin of God's people from even the earliest Biblical records. The first three of the Ten Commandments should be enough to make anyone cry - even today.
The very fact that the people in the passage above began to weep and mourn says their hearts were genuinely repentant at that moment. They understood their brokenness of repeated idolatry and that they would, in all likelihood, break the Law of God again. In a moment of pure humility, they understood their weakness and inability to please God.
But what did Nehemiah tell them? “Don’t mourn or weep on such a day as this! For today is a sacred day before the LORD your God.” and went on to say, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength!”
The joy of the LORD that was their strength is also our strength: that joy IS JESUS. In fact, their celebration on this day of the Law of God could be tied directly to the Fourth Commandment:
“Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the LORD your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work. This includes you, your sons and daughters, your male and female servants, your livestock, and any foreigners living among you. For in six days the LORD made the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything in them; but on the seventh day he rested. That is why the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and set it apart as holy. [Exodus 20.8-11]
Jesus is the Sabbath Rest (see Hebrews 4). Then consider this:
So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. [Colossians 2.16-17]
In the subject passage above, a sacred day before the Lord describes a Sabbath. It is a day to celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. It is a day of rest and refreshing - it is a day of joy because God has provided His strength!
In contrast, here are some interesting facts about idols: they are the design and construct of man - they are "made" by man - they were, and are still today, the "works" of man. Under the guise of giving benefits, idols really just sap the strength of their followers because much toil and labor are necessary in order to "afford" (enjoy??) their benefits. The benefits offered by idols are always alternatives or substitutes for benefits promised by God. Hint: look how debt, insurance, medicine and technology all fit this Biblical description of idols.
Nehemiah encouraged the people to enter the joy of the LORD. It was a conscious decision to separate themselves from their idols - from "working" in order to enjoy a celebration of God and His Word (Who, by the way, is Jesus).
So, yes, the Word should make us weep and mourn (repentant). However, the end result of that repentance should always be rest and the joy of the LORD. Again, it should be understood that resting is a conscious and sacred decision not to "work."
To be clear, I am not suggesting that people quit their jobs! The Bible never teaches that. But, what I am very much suggesting is that our work should never be for idols! Jesus said it best:
Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.” [Matthew 11.28-30]
There is truly joy in rest. That joy of the LORD is our strength. He is the Lord of the Sabbath - His name.is Jesus:
For the Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath! [Matthew 12.8]
Are we living in a sacred day? Are we living in Christ? Or, are we still laboring for idols?
Father, You have faithfully continued to speak to me about the dreadful burden of idolatry - not just on me, but on mankind - even today. May the revelation of Your Word bring us to genuine repentance that segues us right into Your joy, our strength, Jesus. So be it.
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