June 14 Divine Service

Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.

Nehemiah 8:10 (excerpt)

Where are we in the Bible?

Sadness and joy have always been a part of the human experience. Following their exile in Babylon, the Israelites returned to the ruined and desolate city of Jerusalem, and were likely experiencing a mix of emotions. Still, the people were open and responsive to the activity of God. In the 8th chapter of Nehemiah, they have finished rebuilding the city walls, and we find them gathered as a great assembly, with the scribe and priest, Ezra, at the center. With the knowledge that much work lie ahead in the rebuilding of the desolated city, and in an effort to strengthen the people for these purposes, several things occurred: God’s commands were read aloud to the people; the people were reminded that the day was a holy day; and provision was made in the way of food and drink.

Summary:

As we receive, understand, and live within God’s word, holy days, and provision, we discover that His joy - not our circumstances - becomes the enduring source of our strength, sustaining us and sending us out with gladness to serve Him and others. Through this strength, Christians are called to serve joyfully in the church, recognizing that in serving others, we also serve God.

Note: We often hear and even say the phrase “the joy of the Lord” but it is worth some intentional contemplation. What brings God joy? How does He share or communicate this joy to us? How does the Lord’s joy differ from our own ideas of happiness? It’s a simple answer: He finds joy in sharing His commands, in the celebration of His holy days, in providing for His people and when a soul repents (Luke 15:7). This sermon invites you to consider the joy of the Lord in a deep and personal way.

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June Divine Service overview click here to read