Scripture: Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, "This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep." For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah 8:9
Observation: As the Law is read, the people all begin to mourn and weep. The reasons is not stated but seems clear ... they have become educated about their wrongdoings and feel convicted of their sin. They have to be told to celebrate their new understanding and knowledge, instead of mourning their past ignorance and wrong deeds.
This is the right response to God's teaching. It is right to understand and feel convicted by past wrongdoings, but it is also right to celebrate new understanding, knowing that God loves, God forgives, and God allows everyone to move forward in the joy of his wisdom.
Application: As I learn more and more about God, I should celebrate my understanding. This can happen every day, as I meditate on God's word and read the scriptures. This can happen when I focus my thoughts on God's wisdom and seek knowledge. This can happen when I just stumble upon a new understanding of the Law and teaching of God and Jesus. It is good to think about what I have done wrong in the past, and it is even better to joyfully know that God forgives me by faith in Jesus, and that I can happily go forward now in a new understanding of how to live a better life.
Prayer: Lord, I seek this kind of future in the new year. I seek a year where I grow joyfully in you, learning more and more about the life you expect of me and have in store for me. I desire to grow in knowledge and understanding of your teaching. Amen.
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