Nehemiah 12:43 "Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off."
We live in a busy world. We have allowed "things" and
"stuff" to control us to the point that it seems we do not have time
to do that which is the most important. I realize that in all likelihood, we
will never go back to the time as it was when I was a little boy. I used to
hear my Daddy talk about when he was a little boy and it all seemed like a
dream of things that I would never experience. I now look back and realize that
things I experienced as a boy will never be enjoyed by my grandchildren.
Families gathered on Sunday afternoon and just enjoyed each other. Front
porches were filled with stories and laughter. The children were all in the
yard playing or sitting on the steps listening. There was no concept of
"time" to the degree that we needed to rush off to do
"things" and take care of "stuff".
I'm not sure what the first paragraph has to do with today's devotion other
than I was waxing nostalgic. Sundays were spent with family. But before we sat
on the porch, we sat in the pews where sounds of worship and praise filled the
air. In today's verse, families came together to worship God for the blessings
He had abundantly bestowed upon them. The wall was built. Their hearts had been
renewed in commitment unto the Lord. And now they had gathered as one people to
praise with great joy. They offered their sacrifices unto the Lord. Husbands,
wives, and children were all rejoicing together. And the "joy of Jerusalem
was heard even afar off."
Again, I say we live in a busy world. Have we allowed the busy-ness of life
(that we have heaped upon ourselves) to rob us of the joy that we can experience
when the Lord takes precedence over "things" and
"stuff"? Will we ever be able to be a "front porch",
family oriented people again? Even if we aren't, will we be able to offer
the sacrifices of praise and honor unto the Lord? Jesus said, "But
seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things
shall be added unto you." (Matthew 6:33) It seems to me that if we
put Jesus first, then all the other things will gain a greater joy and
satisfaction in our lives.