A Time of Rejoicing

When the seventh month came and the Israelites had settled in their towns, all the people gathered together at the square in front of the Water Gate. They asked Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses that The Lord had given Israel. On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding.
Ezra praised The Lord, the great God, and with their hands lifted up all the people said, "Amen, Amen!" Then they bowed down and worshipped The Lord with their faces to the ground.
...the Levites explained the law to the people as they stood in their places. They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and giving meaning so that the people could understand what was read.
Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, " This day is holy to The Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, "go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to The Lord. Do not grieve because the joy of The Lord is your stronghold." And the Levites quieted all the people, saying, " Be still, since today is holy, do not grieve." Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a great celebration, because they had understood the words that were explained to them. Nehemiah 8:1,6,9-12

What a beautiful place these people were coming to. They were re-discovering their God. God's heart rejoiced because His people were turning back to Him. He first gave them a good leader who gave them security, integrity and righteousness, then He led them to Himself. Salvation was on it's way.

As I study this I am mindful that we in Australia are voting for our next government. We must choose wisely because one will be righteous and lead us well, one will lead to destruction. I pray that the Australian people have discernment and will choose Godliness over greed. There are many competing voices, may righteousness rule. Amen!

Now our government may lead our country but our minister must lead us to Him. On Sunday I went with family to a Catholic mass because my sister-in-law sings in a choir and I wanted to hear her and show respect for the choir. I must say that God is doing a new thing in the country. He is bringing young men, on fire with the gospel, to old and staid churches and they are coming alive.

The church I attend, North West church, is much different. No ritual here, but again led by young men and women and it is alive. Their is a passion for the city and souls and the word of God. I love it!

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