Joy to the World!

By Susan Causey, M.Ed., LPC

            When Nehemiah read the words of the law to the Israelites who had just completed rebuilding the wall around Jerusalem, they began to weep and mourn. Presumably, they were grief-stricken for their sins, and fearful they wouldn’t be able to live up to the law of God. But Nehemiah comforted them by saying: "Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10 NASB)

            Sounds like Christmas! The joy of the Lord gives us courage, strength and a defense against evil. Remember how the joy of the “Whos” in “Whoville” broke the Grinch’s evil spell and intentions in Dr. Seuss’s Christmas classic, How the Grinch Stole Christmas?

            The Israelites began to understand that God’s law was for their good, to guide them, direct them and restore them. They were to celebrate all that God had done for them during a seven-day feast, and then come together as an assembly. The Bible says “…their joy was very great.” (Nehemiah 8:17 NIV)

            No matter what their circumstances were, they realized they had a perfect heavenly Father who cared for them. This was the foundation for their joy.

            According to Nehemiah, chapter 9:

·         They were able to confess their sins and be forgiven. They were free of guilt.

·         They understood that God was sovereign “from everlasting to everlasting.”

·         They celebrated God’s faithfulness. He would keep His promises.

·         They celebrated because God made a way for them through the Red Sea. He listened to their cries and provided a path.

·         God led them with a pillar of a cloud by day and fire by night. He guided them.

·         He gave them commands that were just and right. He taught them right from wrong.

·         He fed them with bread from heaven and quenched their thirst from the rock. He was their Provider.

·         He instructed and admonished them with His Spirit.

·         He was merciful and patient. He forgave them when they were disobedient and stubborn.

·         He provided land and possessions in abundance.

            God demonstrates love for His children by setting boundaries for them, being faithful to them, guiding and directing them, providing for them, and forgiving them. He demonstrates perfect parental love. Even in the New Testament, His law is important. Jesus said:

            “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.” (Matthew 5:17 NIV) 

            “If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. This is my commandment, that you love one another, just as I have loved you.” (John 15:10-12 NASB)

            The ultimate commandment is to love God and love others. We have even more to celebrate than these early Israelites or the “Whos,” because God is still the same God, and because He loved us, He has sent Jesus to free us from our sins, to give us easier access to His throne, and to give us the desire and the power to live within his law.             Joy to the world, the Lord is come, let earth receive her King!

The Ten Commandments

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

2. You shall not make idols.

3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.

4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

10. You shall not covet.