And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps. And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi; Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem. And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall. (Neh 12:27-30)
All the city came out to dedicate the walls and the city to God, to worship Him who alone is God and whom brought this day to pass. God had decreed their return, protected them as the traveled and as they worked, and had blessed them with material and spiritual blessings, not because of their works, but because of their faith in Him and for His glory. They now glorified Him as the provider, praising their God in thanksgiving and song.
When we gather to praise, either in regular worship, or at special times such as this dedication, we ought to remember the works of the Lord. We are not to praise our efforts, nor glorify our works, for all we have done is by the strength and grace of our Lord. Our praise goes to the one who alone is God, who alone provides for all our needs, and who alone protects us from our enemies. We give Him thanks because of His blessings, and praise Him for His great salvation through His Son for He alone is Worthy to be praised.
All we have and all we can do in this world as His children is because of Him. We ought to dedicate ourselves to Him who alone gives us all things and then use that which He provides to accomplish His will while we are in this world.
For it is His will that we grow in Him and learn more of our Lord, to minister to those around us who are hurting and in need, as He provides. We serve, equipped with the Word of reconciliation and righteousness, rightly divided and fitly spoken, that others may see Christ in us, the hope of Glory. Our GOD has commanded us to love one another with an unfeigned love, even as He first loved us, and to disciple one another in the Word of GOD so that we may all grow in grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Our Lord has commissioned those who are His with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to go where He sends us in the power of the Holy Spirit. As we go, we are to proclaim the Good News of forgiveness through repentance and reconciliation with the Father through faith in His Son, that those who believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Messiah of GOD might have life in His Name.
GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to faith in Christ and His finished and perfect work on the Cross of Calvary to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD, forgiveness from GOD, and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet