9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
As Ezra read the people the word of God their hearts rightly became grieved over their sin for with the knowledge of the law comes the knowledge of sin. The word of God often has this same effect on my own heart for the very same reason…it shows me my sin. But here is the thing. God doesn’t leave us in our sorrow and grief. He forgives us! His word wounds us to bring the conviction of sin to our hearts that will lead us to repentance.
The people of God could have joy even in the midst of sorrow because God had provided a way of return. Ezra’s words reminded them that yes, God punishes sin, but He also blesses obedience. Their God was/is merciful. He had not left them in their sin or utterly destroyed them as a nation. This day was holy to the Lord because the reading of the word had brought conviction of sin and new life in Him. (Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God) The nation could move forward with God, once again, at the center.
Beloved…Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. God provides a way of return! His mercies are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness!
We are NEVER without recourse when we sin. Prior to salvation my heart would often think after I had sinned, that there was no way back...I had gone too far...God could never forgive me. Tragically, I used these thoughts to sin even more because I had already gone beyond (in my view) the point of no return.
Today, when I sin my heart sorrows, but not as one who has no hope. I rejoice as the people of Israel did, because God has provided me with a way back into fellowship with Him. God has accepted His Son’s propitiation! Jesus’ perfect life, death and resurrection has made me free from the law of sin and death. My sins...past, present and future are forgiven! I am alive to God. The life I now live, I live unto Him! I still struggle in my flesh but praise God, sin no longer has dominion over me. When I bring my heart to Him for cleansing, there is sorrow, but there is also much joy in the Holy Spirit. As a believer in Jesus, I stand justified before God. I LIVE in His grace! His mercy surrounds me.
Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!
For His mercy endures forever.—Psalm 136:1
“The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes” (Ps. 19:8).
“Your testimonies I have taken as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart” (Ps. 119:111).
1 Make a joyful shout to the LORD, all you lands!
2 Serve the LORD with gladness;
Come before His presence with singing.
3 Know that the LORD, He is God;
It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves;
We are His people and the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,
And into His courts with praise.
Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.
5 For the LORD is good;
His mercy is everlasting,
And His truth endures to all generations.—Psalm 100:1-5
Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
They walk, O LORD, in the light of Your countenance.
16 In Your name they rejoice all day long,
And in Your righteousness they are exalted.
17 For You are the glory of their strength,
And in Your favor our horn is exalted.
18 For our shield belongs to the LORD,
And our king to the Holy One of Israel.—Psalm 89:15-18
