Rejoice in what you
now know is right
Sometimes it is easier to give than it is to receive. At least that is the way it seems when it comes to our own advice. We are quick to remind others of God's grace, but often deny ourselves the same consolation. When sin slithers into our lives, and we become imprisoned by our own faults, we sooner find our solace through invariable grieving, rather than through the love of God. In the same manner, David cried to the Lord "
For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away (Psalm 31:10)." Even the apostle Paul felt imprisoned by the truth of his sins (Romans 7:14-25), and cried out "
Wretched man that I am! Who will set me free from this body of death (v 24)?" When Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 8), he had to deal with this very issue. Before the Israelites moved back into the city, Nehemiah had Ezra read the law before all the people. This was to be a reminder, of who they served and what He required of them. It is written, "
They read from the book of the law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read... (v 8)." The law was brought to light. It was not just read, but read in such a way that the Israelites finally had an understanding of God's requirements; more importantly, how they have failed Him. This truth convicted them and they grieved bitterly in the knowledge of their sinfulness (v 9). However, rather than letting the Israelites punish themselves, Nehemiah and Ezra consoled them, saying "
This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep (v 9b)." Then "
all the people went away to eat, drink and to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them (vv 10-12)." The Israelites were under the impression that their conviction was the end result of their sins. However, conviction is but the means to the end, the end being a proper walk with God. This is why Nehemiah and Ezra consoled them. This is why the day was sacred to the Lord. For this was the day that God's people found a way out from under their sins. This was the day that God's prodigal children found a way home. The word of God was brought to light, the people were convicted and they rejoiced in what they finally knew to be right. Likewise, the same truth that was once unclear to us, which is the same truth that convicted us when it was brought to light, is the same truth that now brings us an inexpressible joy. Remember, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 6:26); therefore, do not continue in punishing yourself for what you know to be wrong; rather, eat, drink, and celebrate in what you now know to be right. As the author of Hebrews reminds us, do this with full assurance that your heart has been cleansed from a guilty conscience (Hebrews 10:19-22), by Jesus Christ.
[mp]
Copyright © 2004
Michael D'Urbano
All rights reserved
www.modernpapyrus.org
If you don't know Jesus Christ as your Lord and God, or maybe you just need to rededicate you life to Him; I encourage you to click
HERE and pray this simple prayer. Do not allow another moment of your life to pass without knowing the love and peace that comes with knowing Jesus Christ as your personal savior.
