Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the wives also and the children rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. Nehemiah 12:43
What do you remember of the start of the year 2000? Discounting the concern about the Y2K computer glitch that wasn’t, that night was one long celebration. Beginning in the far east and circling the globe, people held celebration events of every kind, from street parties and huge fireworks displays in hundreds of cities to small parties and thousands of stunts and activities of every kind. The whole planet seemed to be celebrating. What was so wonderful that it deserved such a world-wide celebration? Just the turn of a year, the wrapup of the second millennium. But when people caught the spirit, they all got into the act, and everybody got excited. Just like that day in Jerusalem when the people celebrated the return of God’s order to the nation. Just like we should celebrate the knowledge that God’s order is in place in our time.
The joy of Jerusalem was infectious, and it was heard from far and wide. That’s how the joy of today’s Christians should affect the world around us. Everybody should know that every Christian is excited and has something to celebrate. We should be a joyous people, in fact, Christians are the only people with any reason to be happy, with the best in this world and a glorious hope for the next. Our joy is our testimony, and it should be so evident that souls are won for our Lord.
Obviously, we don’t hold huge joy parties like that day in Jerusalem. So how do we show our joy? How do people know we are happy and rejoicing? Obviously, we don’t throw a huge party like people did for the year 2000, or hold a day of joy like the Israelites did in Jerusalem in Nehemiah’s time. No, our joy should be evident every day, and in every way. Our families should see every day, from the time we get up until bedtime, that we appreciate the goodness of our God and the reality of our Salvation. Our neighbours should see the same thing, every day. So should the people we go to school or work with, the people we see in the community or in the places where we do business, and the folks we encounter along the way. A smile on our face, and a happy attitude will speak volumes not only to others, but also to ourselves, that we have every reason to be full of joy.
The joy of Jerusalem was wonderful, but it was for only one day. Our joy begins the day we first trusted Christ and lasts forever! -Jim MacIntosh