Repentance, provision, and a party - Nehemiah 8:10

 "(9) And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and 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 or weep.' For all the the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. (10) Then he said to them, 'Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.' (11) So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, 'Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.' (12) And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing because they had understood the words that were declared to them." Nehemiah 8:9-12

     Many of us are familiar with home decor that uses Scripture verses as a way to encourage the viewer of Biblical truths. How often, though, is the viewer ignorant of the context of said Biblical reference? How often is the verse misquoted for the sake of a cute 'Christian' phrasing? This is a beef I have with some 'Christian' decor. The misuse of Scripture can lead to a misunderstanding of it and bad theology. As my brothers and sisters at Apologia Studios say, "Bad theology hurts people." 

     Nehemiah 8:10 is a verse that is often used on book marks, cards, and home decor. Yet, how often is it understood in its context? How often is its context even considered? How would understanding its original context shape the way we think about this verse?

     This verse is a statement by governor Nehemiah to a group of returned exiles sitting under the reading of God's Law. They were weeping because they understood what they were hearing and it seems that understanding brought conviction to their hearts. They were grieving over their disobedience to the Law. They understood that repentance was needed. Their sorrow was godly, because it brought about repentance. 

2 Corinthians 7:10

"For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death."

     Nehemiah knew the importance of repentance. If you read both Ezra and Nehemiah, you find that they are full of both the need for and the application of repentance. Our lives are no different. Nehemiah also understood that these exiles needed reminding of the rich provision of God, even in the face of their sin. This day of godly sorrow and returning to obedience was one to remember. It was to be an Ebeneezer (stone of remembrance) for them. It was set apart to the Lord (as they sought to set themselves apart to the Lord again) and was to be one of great joy. Nehemiah told them to throw a big party! He told them to enjoy the sweetness and fatness of the Lord's provision for them and to share what they had with those who did not. This rejoicing in God's provision was to be their source of strength. It was not a vague sense of joy; it had a source and a context. The source of the conviction was the Holy Spirit. How fitting it is that He was also to be the source of their joy. Joy is, after all, one of His gifts.

Galatians 5:22-23 

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."

     Haven't we also experienced the joy that follows godly sorrow? Do we mark those times in our minds? Do we celebrate the goodness of God in those moments? He is the source both of our conviction and our forgiveness. He is also the source of our joy. That joy is to strengthen us as we pursue obedience to Him.