Reading: Nehemiah 11-12
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 that we have belongs to God. There is nothing that we have earned, purchased, or worked to make that is not already owned outright by our Creator. Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord’s thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is (Deut. 10:14). A dedication, then, is not done to signify a transfer of ownership, but rather to acknowledge our understanding and acceptance of God’s sovereignty over all aspects of our lives and reaffirm our commitment to Him.
The citizens of Judah gathered together to dedicate the newly restored wall to God with humble, penitent hearts. Their joy was not merely in the restoration of their city’s physical security but also in the restoration of the spiritual security that came from placing all of their trust in the Lord. Over the course of a little more than 70 years, step by slow and careful step, they had rebuilt the city upon which God had placed His name (II Chr. 6:6). First the altar (Ezra 3:2), then the Temple (Ezra 6:15-16), and finally the walls and gates (Neh. 7:1) had been restored to at least some semblance of their former glory. Along the way, the same reconstructive force that had spurred the physical restoration of the city had also been at work in the lives of the people (Ezra 9,10; Neh. 8,9). Now they came before Him in thanksgiving and worship, secure in the knowledge that they and the city belonged wholly to God. Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek Me, and find Me, when ye shall search for Me with all your heart (Jer. 29:12-13).
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them (Matt. 18:20). As the people raised their voices in joyful praise, the Spirit of God returned to Jerusalem. According to the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remaineth among you: fear ye not (Hag. 2:5). Yet the Glory of the Lord (II Chr. 7:1), which had visually filled the Temple constructed by Solomon, was not seen. God’s people had entered into a time of transition and waiting. Although they once again lived in the land God had given them, they did so under foreign rule. The throne of David was vacant, and it would remain so until the coming of the Messiah and the return of God’s glory (Hag. 2:6-7).
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His father David: And He shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of His kingdom there shall be no end (Luke 1:31-33).
Thought for Today: A life spent dedicated to God is a life spent in preparation for Him.
Christ Portrayed: By the priests and Levites who purified (sanctified) themselves and the people (Neh. 12:30). Christ our High Priest, through His perfect sacrifice, purified His believers by His Word. Now ye are clean through the Word which I have spoken unto you (John 15:3; 17:17).
Word Studies: 11:16 outward business = external business of the Temple; 11:24 was at the king's hand = was advisor, administrator of the king; 12:44 that waited = who officiated, ministered, kept the watches.
Pray for Staff: Tifany Parisi • Country: Puerto Rico (3,620,897) Caribbean • Major Languages: Spanish, English • Religious Freedom • 85% Roman Catholic; 15% Protestant/Other (Buddhist, Jehovah's Witness, Jew, Muslim) • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord when you have a need (II Chr. 14:11).
Optional Reading: II Corinthians 12.