August 15, 2025

Nehemiah 8, 10

Reason to rejoice

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

Dear Reader,

today's stamp from Vietnam shows an athlete. He is holding a barbell above his head with outstretched arms. This requires a lot of strength and practicing. 

Today's Bible text comes from Nehemiah, a strong leader. He had the vision of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, which had been destroyed by war. With a great deal of trust in God, courage and energy, he was able to implement this plan. His report makes a fascinating reading.

The crowning glory of the project was a large festive service. The prophet Ezra read out the law that God had given to his people some time before. And after a long time, they finally could hear God's word again. It touched them deeply! They were so moved that they wept. They became painfully aware of how great the distance between them and the holy God had become.

But Nehemiah does not want mourning, which weighs everyone down like a sort of a heavy burden. He wants them to rejoice in God's goodness. They should rejoice in God's kindness. That is why he calls on everyone: “Do not be troubled, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” They should become emotionally strong again through their joy in God. The joy of God's goodness gives the soul new strength.

Joy in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, is very important. We can rejoice that God is gracious and merciful. We can rejoice when God's word touches our hearts. We can rejoice when we see the Holy Spirit at work.

In his parable of the prodigal son, Jesus tells us how the son came home with his head down. He was a failure, discouraged, disgraced. But the father rejoiced. Not because the son was so miserable, but because he could hold his beloved child in his arms again. Full of joy, he called out: „For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” What happened next? „So, they began to celebrate. “(Gospel of Luke 15, 24).

I hope for you, that you may experience this heavenly joy! Rejoice in the presence of God today. Rejoice in the love of God, today and always! For God rejoices when you listen to his word. God rejoices when you come to him in prayer. God rejoices when you are his child. He loves you!

Thank you for visiting me and listening to me. May God fill your heart with his joy; may He bless you and provide his strength  in faith to you. I look forward to seeing you again at the next short sermon on September 1, 2025.