Rejoice Because God Gives Us Great Joy!
Nehemiah 12:27-47
Rev. Mark Kosko
I. A Time of Joyful Celebration with Songs of Thanksgiving! (vv. 27-43)
They all had labored much to complete God’s work but didn’t complain
They all gathered as God’s people to Rejoice (v. 43)
Even Women and Children Rejoiced
II. “Joy” from God is sometimes challenging yet necessary
No more rules to follow but our service to the Lord is out of love
Joy is from God’s perspective not our own
The joy in our present life circumstance may first mean overcoming our past
III. They Gave Contributions, Firstfruits and Tithes (vv. 44-47)
They had already sacrificed during the rebuild but still, out of gratitude they offered up the firstfruits of God’s abundance
They endured the consequences of their prior disobedience but now rejoiced in God’s favor
Because of Christ, we are the now the firstfruits.
IV. Reflection
We often pray for things that we feel will bring us joy without first stopping to think instead whether it brings joy to God. And then are we as eager to offer up in return the firstfruits of God’s provision in our lives including our time, tithes and spiritual giftings?
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