Right Before Their Eyes

We've all seen the celebrations outside the courthouse after the verdict.  The local news shows them to us all the time.  

That's the seen that Luke describes here in Acts 4:23-31.  But there's a bit of a twist.  

The people aren't so much celebrating that the Sanhedrin has dropped the charges against Peter and John, but rejoicing in the fact that they are all eyewitnesses of the unfolding of God's plan of salvation.  

It was all happening right before their eyes.

Pete and Johnny leave their hearing before the council and tell the other believers what has just happened (v23).  They relate how Pete had turned the tables on the kangaroo court and accused them of murdering the Messiah (Acts 4:10).  

They tell them how these seminary PhDs couldn't figure out how this pair of illiterate idiots got the best of them (Acts 4:13).  They recall how the Sanhedrin was blown away by their boldness (Acts 4:13).  

They relate how the council clearly knew the two of them had spent time with Jesus (Acts 4:13).  And finally they recall how the Sanhedrin told them to stop teaching and talking about Jesus, but that they boldly told them that wasn't possible (Acts 4:18-20).

"When they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God" (v24).  These early believers thrived in community.  This was the only way they knew.  

Sure, their numbers were growing rapidly (in excess of 5000 at this point).  But they desperately needed each other.  

And when they got together, what did they do?  They worshiped!  They immediately worshiped!  They saw God's hand in the entire process and thanked Him for what He was doing right before their eyes.  There is something powerfully encouraging to other believers when we share such stories.  

When great blessings happen in our lives, what is our first reaction?  Do we seek out other Christ followers in order to share with them what God has just done?  

Do we worship?  Do we pray and thank God?  I don't know about you, but I would rather not answer these questions.

As part of this spontaneous worship service, they prayed in thanksgiving.  These believers thanked the "Sovereign Lord” (v24).  The Greek word here is δεσποτης/despotes.  

It is not used very often in the NT, especially in regard to Almighty God (Lk 2:29; 2Tim 2:21; 2Pet 2:1; Jude 4; Rev 6:10).  We get our word "despot" from the Greek.  

But this original term doesn't carry the idea of an iron-fisted dictator.  It means one who is a master or in control.  NT writers use it to describe someone in charge, often the owner of a slave.  Think of your boss or supervisor.

These early Christians understood clearly that God was in complete and absolute control.  And they were witnessing His hand in manipulating these events happening right before their eyes.

In the first part of their prayer, they recognize their Sovereign God as the Creator of the universe, "who made the heaven and the earth and the see and everything in them."  

That pretty much covers everything, doesn't it?  In other words, God was in command of everything from the very beginning.  Actually from BEFORE the beginning.  He was there BEFORE creation.

In verses 25-27, they pray from the psalms and then quickly understand what was written as being fulfilled right before their eyes.  

They quote Psalm 2:1-2.  While the psalmist does not credit this song to anyone, these Spirit-led believers understand this as "through the mouth of our father David, Your servant" (25).  

When David originally wrote these words, he was in constant battle against Gentile kings and nations.  As God's anointed king, he saw the spiritual implications of these political and military battles.  

These early Christ followers see the role of God's Spirit in the composition of David's psalm.  The Holy Spirit moved the king to say these words centuries before.  

The role of the Spirit cannot be ignored in either of Luke's letters to Theophilus.  The Third Person of the Trinity takes the lead role in both Luke and Acts.  

The early church apparently saw a much broader panorama than King David.  They see this as a prophetic psalm which is coming true right before their eyes.  

These rulers such as Herod, Pilate, the Romans and the Sanhedrin had conspired against "Your holy servant Jesus, Whom You anointed” (v27).  The “servant” recalls Isaiah 53.  

The Father anoints the Son with the Spirit.  Can you see how this verse is teaching us about the Trinity?  Cool, huh?

Once again, they understand that all of these events, including the betrayal and brutal crucifixion of Christ, were all part of God's sovereign plan (Acts 2:23).  This is something they did not and could not understand on the other side of the cross.  

These early believers now knew that EVERYTHING that has happened and is currently happening and will happen is part of God's plan.  He has "predestined to take place."

Do we see God's hand in complete control of the events in our life?  In the events of the world?  

God is sovereign.  His hand is unshakeable.  His purpose cannot be swayed.  And it's all for His glory and our good (Rom 8:28-30).

And what was their request?  They asked God to "grant to your servants to continue to speak Your word with all boldness" (v29).  

They didn't pray that they would avoid conflict with the authorities.  As a matter of fact, the result of their request would actually instigate more friction.  

But their prayer was boldness in order to fulfill what Jesus had commanded to them before He headed home (Acts 1:8).  

As they were still praying, the house started rockin' (v31).  Just as it happened when the 120 were crammed into the upper room and the Spirit fell for the first time (Acts 2:2-4), it was happening again!  

This apparently larger group was being filled with the Spirit of God.  He was answering their request immediately, right before their eyes.

And the Spirit empowered them to do exactly as they had asked.  They "continued to speak the word of God with boldness” (v31).  

Is this our prayer?  Do we regularly pray for God to give us boldness to tell others about Jesus?  If so, He might just rock our world.  I'm not sure the room would shake (but I can't guarantee it!), but I am sure He will readily respond to our request.

And then don't be surprised at what will happen right before our eyes.

©2011

Jay Jennings

Gospel Centered Community

The church in Antioch waits on pins and needles for a ruling from the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.  They need to know if they must first become Jews before they can officially be followers of Jesus.  Some Jews have been telling these Gentiles that they need to pump their spiritual brakes (Acts 15:1, 5).  In other words, non-Jewish men would have to be circumcised. 

The church has sent Paul and Barnabas to find out (Acts 15:2).  They know nothing yet of the decision of the apostles and elders in Jerusalem.  Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, these leaders decide they "should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God" (Acts 15:19).  They ask that they avoid four things: (1) food sacrificed to idols, (2) blood, (3) food that has been strangled, and (4) sexual immorality.  These were four detestable practices in pagan idolatry.  In other words, these non-Jews didn't have to become Jews in order to follow Jesus.  They had to repent of their own idolatry.

They had sent two men to Jerusalem.  But four men return.  Judas Barsabbas and Silas arrive with with Paul and Barney.  They immediately get the church together and deliver the letter.  Notice that it wasn't first read to a committee.  They simply gathered the church to hear what had been written.  This is the practice we see in many of the NT letters.  The church is gathered and the letter is read OUT LOUD to the entire body.  There were no chapters or verses.  The read the entire letter, except maybe for some special instructions to the leaders.  This is a great reminder that these were real letters to real people in real churches in real cities dealing with real problems.

"And when they had read it, they rejoiced because of its encouragement" (v31).  The people of the church in Antioch explode in celebration over what they hear.  The leaders in Jerusalem accept them as brothers and sisters in Christ AS GENTILES!!  It's hard to imagine just how radical and revolutionary this must have been.  To this point, The Way was seen by many as simply a sect of Judaism.  And historically, the relationship between Jew and Gentile could best be described as frosty.  The First Church of Antioch may well have expected the news that they would need to become Jews.  But no!  They could follow their Savior as Gentiles.  The people of the church were encouraged beyond belief.

Just as God had accepted them just as they are, so would the followers of Jesus.

This is a huge reminder that there are no God ordained divisions among followers of Jesus.  No races.  No denominations.  No cultural or economic barriers.  No staff or lay people.  We are all one.  We are all His!  Like the church in Antioch, we should rejoice because of this encouragement.

Judas and Silas hung with the folks in Antioch for a while (v32-33).  Luke tells us that these two men are actually prophets.  This is a gift of the Holy Spirit by which God enables someone the privilege of insight into His divine will and the responsibility to share it with His people.  Judas and Silas properly used their spiritual gifts to encourage and strengthen the local church.  This is exactly how we are to employ these God-given abilities (1Cor 14:12, 26).

It's hard to imagine the extent of the encouragement in Antioch by the extended presence of Judas and Silas.  These two Jews apparently had no problem hanging out with their Gentile brothers and sisters.  What a breath of fresh air.  They proved that the acceptance of the non-Jews by Paul and Barnabas was no fluke.  In Christ, they were truly one family and one body.

Judas and Silas spent a great deal of time in Antioch, encouraging and strengthening these new Christ followers.  I love the original Greek that we often translate encourage: parakaleo.  It is literally "to call (kaleo) alongside (para)."  Think of walking side by side with someone else, encouraging them.  You can do it!  We can do it together!

The word "strengthen" is the Greek episterizo.  It's the same verb found in Acts 14:22.  It means not only to strengthen, but more specifically, to make to lean upon.  In other words, Judas and Silas helped these Antiochan believers understand that their strength was in Jesus.  They taught them that apart from Christ they can do nothing (Jn 15:5) but in Him they can do anything (Phil 4:13).

At some point, Judas and Silas headed back to Jerusalem after an extended stay (v33).  Most of the oldest manuscripts don't contain v34.  This may well have been inserted to explain how quickly Paul chose Silas for his return trip to Asia (Acts 15:40-41). 

Luke goes on to tell us that "Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also" (v35).  The two men clearly saw these believers as their responsibility.  They had invested a great deal of time and energy in these folks (Acts 11:23-26; 14:28).  Paul and Barney also traveled as missionaries on behalf of the church in Antioch (Acts 13:2-27).

This dynamic duo continue to teach and preach to this largely non-Jewish congregation.  The door would have been wide open to teach them the OT Scriptures.  They would have had very little working knowledge of the Hebrew Bible, the ONLY Bible they would have had at the time. 

Dr. Luke tells us specifically that they were preaching.  This is the Greek verb euangelizo.  It means to proclaim or bring about the good news.  It's where we get our words evangelism and evangelize.  While it certainly means to preach, I think it's a much more robust word than just that.  These two men continually reminded the Christ followers of Antioch that it is all about Jesus.  He lived the perfect life that we were supposed to live.  He died the awful death that we were supposed to die.  He is raised to an eternal life we don't deserve.  It's only IN CHRIST that we have anything. 

To "preach" or euangelizo is to remind us of who we are IN JESUS.  This is NOT a "do better" gospel.  I mean, what's the good news in that gospel?  We continually need to know that He did it for us, in our place.  And we are IN HIM.  He has also given us His Holy Spirit to enable us to live the life He's set before us

These four men proclaimed to the people of Antioch that apart from Jesus it was impossible.  But IN CHRIST it was all possible.  

A Human Torch of Worship

“To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1Tim 1:17).

Sometimes it just hits you and you never saw it coming. You can’t contain yourself and you can’t stop. Something you didn’t expect happens on the field or the court and sends the crowd into craziness. An unexpected rally in the bottom of the ninth. A frenetic fourth quarter comeback. A half court heave at the buzzer. You and the rest of the fans jump from your seats in unrestrained enthusiasm! Sometimes all want to do is celebrate!

That’s exactly what’s happening here in Paul’s first letter to Timothy in chapter one. The apostle has very specific and important instructions for the pastor of the Ephesian megachurch. First and foremost, stuff a sock in the team of false teachers who are selling a snake oil gospel that’s really no Gospel at all (1Tim 1:3-7). Paul takes a moment to recall just how crazy good God has been to him despite his rap sheet as a killer and torturer of Jesus’ followers (1Tim 1:12-14). Despite being the first of the worst of sinners, our Savior came to his rescue (1Tim 1:15). God uses His incredibly Good News through Paul’s bad example to spread His message of eternal life (1Tim 1:16). 

Suddenly the apostle can’t hold back. He explodes in worship to the One who has done so much for him and through him. “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (v17). I have to say that I’m a little disappointed in our good friends translating the ESV in their lack of exclamation points here. In case you didn’t know, the original Greek text of the New Testament didn’t contain any chapter breaks, verse numbers, or punctuation. Given all of his excitement over what he’s just written, I just don’t see Paul quietly dropping a period here. Exclamation points!! Lots of them!!!!! ALL CAPS!!!!!! Is it too crazy to see him putting down his quill and running around the room in celebration at this point?!?!? I think not! Sometimes all you want to do is celebrate!

Theologians have a fancy schmancy word for these passages in the Bible. They call them doxologies. Ooo, looks like somebody has been using their Word-a-Day calendar! This is a $10 term that simply means “glory words.” You’ll find them all throughout the pages of Scripture like volcanos unexpectedly erupting in praise to God (1Chr 29:10-13; Is 6:3; Mt 6:13; Heb 13:21; 1Pet 5:11; 2Pet 3:18; Jude 25). It probably comes a no shock that a lot of them are song lyrics (Ex 15:18; Ps 41:13; 72:19; 89:52; 106:40; 146:10; 150:1; Lk 2:14; Rev 4:8; 5:13; 7:12). Paul is particularly prone to these sudden explosions of God’s glory (Rom 16:25-27; Gal 1:5; Eph 3:20-21; Phil 4:20). In fact, he cuts loose again a little later in this letter (1Tim 6:16)! He’s a Human Torch of spontaneous worship combustion!

Near the end of this very same letter, Paul busts loose in unbridled worship of God one more time. “He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion” (1Tim 6:15-16). Sometimes all the apostle can do is celebrate…not once, but twice!

After talking about God’s gift of eternal life to those who trust in Jesus in the previous verse (1Tim 1:16), it’s probably no surprise Paul immediately applauds “to the King of the ages” (v17). Make no mistake about who’s in charge. It’s not me. It’s not you. It’s not even Donald Trump. God is King. He’s in total control of the universe. Every bit of it. This has a couple of implications. One, relax. God’s got this. Two, He’s the Boss. The apostle wants us to now that God’s reign will never end. Don’t worry your pretty little head about divine term limits. 

The idea of God as King Eternal is all over the place, biblically speaking. The prophet Isaiah talked about a Baby who would come one day to rule forever. “For unto us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over His kingdom to establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time forth and forevermore” (Is 9:6-7). To put it in the words of Ricky Bobby, eight pound six ounce Baby Jesus is also King Jesus, King of the ages. 

But wait, there’s more! We see God as a nonstop ruling Machine all throughout the Bible (Ex 15:18; Ps 10:16; 29:10; Jer 10:18; Lam 5:19; Rev 11:15). And check this out. Two different pagan kings were in such awe of Yahweh that they even gave Him His props. Babylonian dictator Nebuchadnezzar may have been the baddest man on the planet at the time, but he was blown away by God’s eternal kingdom (Dan 4:3, 34). One of his successors was a dude named Darius. He might have ruled the world’s top superpower at the time, but he knew he was a short-timer compared to heaven’s eternal King (Dan 6:26). 

One reason that God is the perfect King eternal is because He’s also “immortal” (v17). Paul uses a Greek word here (Gr. aphthartos) that means imperishable, not subject to death or decay. The apostle writes how rebels against God’s kingdom “exchanged the glory of the immortal (Gr. aphthartos) God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things” (Rom 1:23). Earthly athletic champs win “a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable (Gr. aphthartos)” (1Cor 9:25). Our God is immortal, imperishable, and indestructible. 

Another interesting aspect of the term is how it describes something or someone unpolluted or incorruptible in an ethical sense. In other words, we can always trust in the goodness and purity of God’s rule. He’s not subject to bribes. He’s not on the take. He won’t be influenced by lobbyists or special interests. Kind of different from that bunch we’ve sent to Washington, don’t you think? He will He never die. He’ll never become corrupt. He’s immortal.

The cool thing is that God can’t wait to share His immortality with us. That happens when we trust in who Jesus is and what He has done for us! For instance when the heavenly horn section blows its final solo then “the dead will be raised imperishable (Gr. aphthartos), and we shall be changed” (1Cor 15:52). God also promises us “an inheritance that is imperishable (Gr. aphthartos), undefiled, and unfading” (1Pet 1:4). God brings us to eternal life when we are born again, “not of perishable seed but of imperishable (Gr. aphthartos), through the living and abiding Word of God” (1Pet 1:23). Can you start to see why Paul is peeked? I thought so!

Speaking of seeing, Paul makes the point that we can’t see God. He’s “invisible” (v17). You may have an image of God the Father as this wise old grandpa with a long white beard. Well, you would be wrong. Moses put in a request to see God but was denied (Ex 33:20). But when the Big Mo hit the road out of Egypt, he wasn’t afraid of pharaoh who he could see. He had a glorious vision of God, “seeing Him who is invisible” (Heb 11:27). Job knew that catching a glimpse Yahweh wasn’t happening for him (Job 9:11; 23:8). 

The writers of the New Testament continue this theme. “No one has ever seen God; the only God” (Jn 1:16). Jesus tells a Samaritan woman that His Heavenly Dad is Spirit (Jn 4:24). The Apostle John makes the blanket statement that “no one has ever seen God as any time” (1Jn 4:12). Just because you can’t see God, doesn’t mean He’s not in control. You can’t SEE gravity but you’re not flying off the planet into space. You can’t SEE oxygen but you’re still breathing. You ARE breathing, aren’t you? (If not, stop reading right now tell somebody RIGHT NOW!) 

You can see how this whole invisibility deal could be a bit of a problem. But it should come as no shock that God has this all taken care of. That’s where the our Savior comes in as the Second Member of the Trinity. The Son of God make it clear that His Dad sent Him as His visible rep to a lost and dying world (Jn 5:37). Paul confirms that Jesus “is the image of the invisible (Gr. aoratos) God, the firstborn of all creation. For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible (Gr. aoratos)” (Col 1:15-16). As a matter of fact, the author of Hebrews tells us to never take our eyes off “Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith” (Heb 12:2). So if you want to see God, take a look at His Son.

Don’t get the idea that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are three different deities. God is “the only God” (v17). I admit it. The Trinity makes my head hurt. The best way I can figure out how to describe this mystery is One What and Three Whos. How does it work? I have no idea. What Paul wants us to know is that our God is the one and only God. The rest of the contenders are just pretenders. Moses didn’t want the Israelites to be confused. “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one” (Dt 6:4). Paul had the same message for Corinthian believers. “There is one God” (1Cor 8:6). And that’s a big reason why the apostle so giddy.

Just in case you had any doubt what to do with these glory words, the man from Tarsus tells Tim that there should “be honor and glory forever and ever” (v17). God is so good, so awesome, so wonderful, so gracious that the applause never stops. The worship never ends. The spotlight never fades. God is the ONLY who deserves this kind of adulation and attention. Not Kim and Kanye. Not The Donald. Not the biggest stars. Not the greatest athletes. God and God alone. A big part of being a follower of Jesus is to make God famous. Tell folks how amazing He is. Tell them how much He’s done for you. Tell your friends. Tell your family. Start making Him famous and don’t stop. He’s really that awesome. Because of that sometimes all you can do is celebrate.

That’s when we come to Paul’s big finish with a simple and emphatic word “Amen” (v17). If you’re like me, you probably were under the mistaken impression that this was just a way of saying “over and out” at the end of prayer. Not so much. It’s powerful word that’s the equivalent of a first century mic drop. It’s like shouting, “Truth!” In other words, truer words have never been spoken. The apostle can’t say it any better than that!

Doxologies like this one don’t just give God the glory, they are also very good for us. They get my eyes off myself as well as my issues and worries. When I set my mind on my VERY big God, suddenly my big hairy problems don’t seem so…well, big and hairy. So when you’re up against it, when you’re between a rock and a hard place, when life smacks you up the side of the head, make God famous. Try some of these glory words. You never know what will happen. You may even spontaneously combust like the Human Torch of worship. Because sometimes all you can do is celebrate. Flame on!

Rejoice. Repeat.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

Let’s face facts. Life can blindside you. It can kick the stuffing out of you when you least expect. Knock the wind out of you. 

But according to Paul, there’s one thing life can’t take away. Our joy in Jesus. 

I want to make it clear this isn’t going to be one of those turn-that-frown-upside-down and pretend nothing’s wrong pep talks. 

An unexpected sucker punch hurts. No question about it. But God gives us something no one can steal. His joy. 

So no matter the situation, the instructions are clear. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (v4). 

Rejoice. Repeat.

The apostle doesn’t just suggest joy. This isn’t a recommendation. He’s not making a proposal. Nope, it’s a command. 

A closer look at the grammar of the original text is in what scholars call the imperative. Paul doesn’t simply hint that joy might be a good idea. He orders it. 

Who in the world does this dude think he is to order me to rejoice?

I saw you roll your eyes. That’s okay. I would too. But let’s dive a little deeper at the context of this seemingly crazy command. 

First of all, the one doing the writing is Paul. You may have heard of him. 

Wrote most of the New Testament. Traveled the Mediterranean Rim telling everyone who would listen about Jesus. 

His passion for the Gospel ticked off enough people that he ended up in prison. And that’s where he is as he writes this little letter. 

The apostle isn’t sitting seaside sipping on a drink with an umbrella in it. He’s doing hard time in Caesar’s supermax in Rome. Somehow, someway, he has the joy of Jesus in the joint.

You may think he’s encouraging his readers to get over their first world problems. Well, his friends back in Philippi aren’t exactly living the life of leisure either. 

Dr. Luke tells us how the Gospel of Jesus turned the city upside down to the point of rioting and mob violence (Acts 16:12-40). Think Ferguson and Baltimore. 

A quick check of the map in the back of your Bible tells us Philippi is in Macedonia, just down the road from other churches in Thessalonica and Berea. 

In one of his letters to the Corinthians, Paul lets us know what the Lord was up to in the region despite a massive economic downturn. 

“We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part” (2Cor 8:1-2). 

Did you catch that? “A severe test of affliction…their extreme poverty.” Despite all of that, they had “abundance of joy!”

An epistle from Paul in prison. Written to a people in poverty. Still think this joy of Jesus is some sort of joke? No, I didn’t think so either.

The pages of this letter drip with joy. The apostle mentions it one way or another 14 times. 

So for those of us who’ve been reading along, this idea of doesn’t come out of left field. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (v4). 

As a matter of fact, it’s a variation on what he said to kick things off at the beginning of chapter three. “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord” (Phil 3:1). 

Just in case you weren’t paying attention the first time, Paul hammers that nail two more times here in chapter four. 

Rejoice. Repeat. 

“Rejoice” is the Greek word χαιρω/chairo. It means to be exceedingly glad, delight, be happy, or fully enjoy a state of blessing. 

The verb isn’t just a command. It’s also in the present tense. Paul’s order isn’t just a one-and-done gladness. 

It’s not something we do once, check off the list and never have to worry about again. The heart of this command is  to be exceedingly glad in God…and stay that way!

As you might imagine, joy in Jesus is one of Paul’s favorite topics. The apostle tells the Thessalonian church just down the road from Philippi, “Rejoice always” (1Th 5:16). 

He writes to his buddies in Rome to “rejoice in hope” (Rom 12:12). In other words, there’s no reason to let your circumstances get you down for long. Jesus is coming back. And He’s coming back for you!  

But as followers of Christ, we shouldn’t force feed our euphoria down everyone’s throats. “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Rom 12:15). 

The joy of the Lord is one of the major themes throughout the entire Bible. Don’t make the mistake of thinking the OT is nothing but wrath and judgment of an angry God. 

Joy is on page after page from Genesis to Malachi (Lev 23:40; Dt 12:12; 1Sam 2:1; 1Chr 16:31; Ez 6:22). 

Yahweh tells His chosen people to party down as a way of remembering His goodness toward them. “You shall rejoice, you and your households, in all that you undertake, in which the LORD your God has blessed you” (Dt 12:7). 

The Psalms is a discography of God’s greatest hits. It’s no surprise that it’s full of songs of joy. Pharrell’s “Happy” may be a nice little tune. But compared to the Psalms, “Party Rock Anthem” pales in comparison. 

King David drops one of my favorite lyrics in the Psalm 37. “Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart” (Ps 37:4). 

In other words, when we find our joy in God Himself, He’ll make sure to give you more of Him! Dive into the deep end of your relationship with the Lord! There’s no better place to be! 

As a matter of fact, Paul just told us how he’s put everything else on the back burner of his life in order to get more of Jesus (Phil 3:7-11). 

The apostle doesn’t want anyone to miss the joy so he says it one more time. “Again I will say, rejoice” (v4). The command so nice he says it twice. 

Robertson believes he  repeats the order of joy for emphasis in spite of discouragements. In other words, it’s never a bad idea to keep reminding each other of the joy we have in Jesus when the getting blindsided by a broken world. 

It’s one of the big reasons we need each other as we follow Christ. I’m desperate to have others getting my eyes off my problems and onto my Savior. Maybe you don’t. I know I do. 

But how in the world does Paul have the gall to COMMAND me to rejoice? How is that possible? 

Did you realize that God’s Spirit is actually producing joy in you right here, right now? You see, joy ranks number two in the fruit of the Spirit just behind love (Gal 5:22-23)! 

So we don’t have to stir up phony happiness. There’s no chance of longterm joy without Him. God grows His joy in you and me. And He keeps growing it. That gives us the ability to rejoice and repeat. 

This isn’t just a phony the-glass-is-always-half-full-and-somebody-is-going-top-it-off attitude. Paul calls us to a joy “in the Lord” (v4). 

A moment ago, Paul told Euodia and Synthyche to stop their Philippian Family Feud and “to agree in the Lord” (Phil 4:2). 

When we agree in who Jesus is and what He has done for us, it won’t be long before the fighting stops and the party begins. When our joy is connected to our Savior and not our circumstances, it never stops. 

Just in case you’re keeping score, here’s a list of places NOT to find your joy. Not in marriage. Not in sex. Not in kids. Not in career. Not in vacations. Not TV (especially NOT in reality TV!). Not in movies. Not in drugs. Not in alcohol. 

God designed us to find our longterm joy in one place. In one Person. In. The. Lord.

Once again, our friends over in The Message have a fabulous fresh take on this verse. “Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean revel in Him!” (v4 The Message). 

Celebrate God. All the time. Really party in your heart because of who He is and all He’s done. And when you get done, do it all over again. 

Rejoice. Repeat.

©2015
Jay Jennings

Ain't No Party

“Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you” (Philippians 3:1).

Coolio was the first rapper to let us know about who throws the longest shindigs. “Ain’t no party like a West Coast party, ‘cause a West Coast party don’t stop.” Kid Rock came along and did his best to claim the Detroit as the home of the drawn-out get-down. The Democrat and Republican parties certainly don’t ever seem to stop but who really wants to spend their Saturday nights there? And I’m pretty sure the Donner Party stopped…cold (sorry, too soon?). Here in his letter to his friends back in Philippi, our man Paul gives important instructions about the party Jesus followers should be throwing down. “Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you” (v1). Rejoice in Jesus and keep on rejoicin’. Celebrate in our Savior and keep on celebratin’. Sorry, Coolio. I’ve got bad news for Kid Rock. According to the apostle, there ain’t no party like a Jesus Christ party, ‘cause a Jesus Christ party don’t stop. 

You might think it’s easy for Paul to party. It’s easy to celebrate when your life is filled with nothing but rainbows and unicorns. Well, I guess it would be even though I’ve never really seen a unicorn. The apostle has not exactly been living the glamorous life of luxury since Jesus jumped him just outside of Damascus (Acts 9:1-9). Since Christ saved him, the man from Tarsus has had the ride of his life. He’s done everything possible to take the Good News of Jesus all around the Mediterranean rim. Along the way, he’s been beaten, shipwrecked, beaten again, left for dead, run out of town, snake bit, whipped, had numerous hits put out on him, and thrown in behind bars on more than one occasion. And it’s from a cell in Rome he writes to the church in Philippi. But Paul refuses to let four-plus years in the joint steal his joy in Jesus. 

We pick up the apostle’s letter at the beginning of chapter three. First of all, Paul didn’t add the chapter and verse numbers. Translators added those a few hundred years later to make it easier to find stuff in the Bible. Think of them as addresses. The author begins this new section with “finally” (v1). While that’s not a bad translation of the original language, it doesn’t really do us any favors. You might think Paul is landing the plane of this epistle. Not so much. It reminds me of an old joke. What does it mean when a preacher says, “In conclusion…”? Absolutely nothing. The apostle is making a transition, not a conclusion. Think of it as focusing a light. He’s going from a floodlight to a spotlight to a laser beam. 

From the cellblock in Caesar’s supermax, he gives us a command. “Rejoice in the Lord” (v1). Yup, that’s right. A command. An order. Not a suggestion. Not a good piece of advice. A command. But wait just a cotton pickin’ minute. Paul doesn’t know what’s going on in your life. He doesn’t know you just got laid off at work. He doesn’t realize what the prognosis your doctor just gave you. He’s not aware your husband just left you and the kids. Nobody has told him you’ve just filed bankruptcy. Remember, the apostle is in prison. Yet he still has joy. That’s because we consistently confuse joy with happiness. Hey, happiness isn’t a bad thing. But it’s based on our circumstances. We get happiness from our happenings (see what I did there?). And who doesn’t love singing along with Pharrell about the room without a roof?

Paul actually commands the followers of Jesus to “rejoice in the Lord” (v1). This is the very first time he directly connects our joy with Jesus. It’s his mega-theme of this little letter. The verb here is chairo, which means to be glad, take delight, and enjoy a state of happiness and well-being. The joy of the Lord is completely unrelated and unconnected to the circumstances of life. It’s totally attached to our unchanging relationship with Jesus. We rejoice when we get our eyes off our current situation and on Christ. Rejoice in the truth He lived the perfect life we failed to live. Rejoice in the truth He died the death for our sin we should have died. Rejoice in truth He rose to new life we certainly don’t deserve. Rejoice in the truth no one can take any of that away! Rejoice in the truth He will finish what He starts (Phil 1:6). Not only is a command, it’s also in the present tense. That means we can easily read this as “rejoice and keep on rejoicing!” This isn’t some sort of one-and-done joy. Or as the translators of the Amplified Bible like to say, “Delight yourselves in the Lord and continue to rejoice that you are in Him” (v1 AMP). You see, there ain’t no party like a Jesus Christ party, ‘cause a Jesus Christ party don’t stop!

As the followers of Jesus, we should be the happiest people on the planet! We should stand out from the rest of the society in so many ways. Our lives should look different. We should do marriage differently. We should approach our work differently. We should do forgiveness differently. One of the things that should make us stand out from the rest of society is our joy. I’m talking unbridled, over-the-top joy! Yeah, I realize there are a lot of folks who aren’t exactly wired with a default smile on their face. Years ago, I used to see myself as a victim. I honestly felt like the universe had a personal vendetta against yours truly. Folks around me got sick and tired of hearing me moan, “Why does everything always happen to me?!?” That’s when Jesus opened my eyes to all that He’s done for me, all He’s doing for me, and all He’s promised to do! He opened my heart to His joy. While I’m incredibly blessed, life is still very hard at times. But nothing, I mean NOTHING can steal the joy which Jesus has given me. I finally understand what Paul is trying to get across. It’s the same idea Nehemiah wrote about in the OT. “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh 8:10). His joy gets me through anything life throws at me. 

Paul can’t write about joy enough. We can’t read about joy enough. “To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you” (v1). The pages of this letter are just dripping with joy. Just in case we missed the big idea, he wants to drive it home. Or as The Message paraphrases this verse, “I hope you don’t mind hearing it again. Better safe than sorry—so here goes” (v1 The Message). Let’s face it, most of us don’t really need to learn anything new. We simply need to be reminded. Over and over and over. That certainly goes for joy. Rejoice in Jesus. We can’t say it enough. We can’t hear it enough. It’s no skin off Paul’s back to keep talking about it. And it’s good for us to keep hearing about it. 

The apostle tells the Philippians that all this talk of joy is “safe for you” (v1). You see, there’s a nasty doctrinal disease spreading like wildfire across the region. It’s already infected the Colossian church. Paul just wrote a letter trying to put out the dumpster fire a group of false teachers ignited. He followed that up with another note to the church in Ephesus as a safeguard against it. The joy of Jesus is an inoculation given to prevent infection. Spiritual snake oil salesmen attempt to steal your joy and tempt you with the idea they have something better. As a follower of Jesus, you already have everything you need. God doesn’t just bless us, He IS the Blessing! Don’t fall for substitutes from con artists.

You see, there ain’t no party like a Jesus Christ party ‘cause…well, you get the idea.

Celebrating Servants

“I have thought it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier, and your messenger and minister to my need, for he has been longing for you all and has bend distressed because you heard that he was ill. Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. I am eager to send him, therefore, that you may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious. So receive him in the Lord with all joy, and honor such men, for he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was lacking in your service to me” (Philippians 2:25-30).

Everybody can’t be on the front lines. Everybody can’t ditch their day job and throw themselves headlong into the mission field. Some of us simply aren’t in the position to chuck it all and head down the highway for cause of Christ. Paul makes it clear to those of us on the home front, we should support and celebrate the sacrifice and service of those who do hit the road for Jesus. That’s his message for the folks back in Philippi. Their man Epaphroditus made the trip from Macedonia with a care package from the church. But a funny thing happened to him while he was on the road. (Not funny “ha ha” but funny “weird.”) He almost died. (I told you it wasn’t funny “ha ha.”) The Philippians sent him to help the apostle behind bars in Rome. It nearly cost him his life. Now he’s headed home. Paul tells them to throw a party for Epaphroditus and give him the honor of a returning war hero.

You may be wondering how Paul ended up in the slammer all the way over in Rome. And why would folks in a Macedonian seaport send help to him while he’s in the joint? It seems the apostle got tossed in jail a while back when fellow Jews accused him of stirring up trouble at the temple in Jerusalem (Acts 21:27-36). Roman officials keep Paul locked up for years even though it sure seems clear he’s an innocent man (Acts 23:9; 25:7, 18-19, 25; 26:30-31). After twiddling his thumbs and waiting for somebody to rule on his trumped up charges for several years, the apostle eventually appeals to Caesar to hear his case (Acts 25:11-12; 26:32). He’s eventually transferred to custody in Rome, a trip that would make the movie “Con Air” look like something from Pixar (Acts 27:1-28:16). While Paul waits for his hearing, he writes letters to churches in Ephesus, Colossae, his buddy Philemon, and lastly to the Philippian followers of Jesus. 

The relationship between the Philippians and Paul goes back a few years before that. The apostle is on his second Gospel tour of the Mediterranean rim, taking the message of Jesus to everyone who will listen. Paul and his posse cross from Asia Minor into Macedonia and their first stop is the seaport of Philippi. You can read all about it in Dr. Luke’s sequel we call the Book of Acts (Acts 16:12-40). The Good News which Paul brings to this Roman colony turns the city upside down. There are huge riots as a result. Think Ferguson. Think Baltimore. A lynch mob finally gets their mitts on the apostle and his sidekick Silas and drags them to a local shopping mall. “These men are Jews, and they are disturbing our city. They advocate customs that are not lawful for us as Romans to accept or practice” (Acts 16:20-21). It’s not long before God begins growing a church from a fashionista named Lydia, another young lady freed from human trafficking and the occult, as well as the local jailer and his family. Crazy stuff. In Philippi as in other cities, the Gospel was shutting down worship of gods and goddesses like Aphrodite. Epaphroditus’ name literally means “devoted to Aphrodite.” There’s a good chance Epaphroditus was one of those Jesus got ahold of on Paul’s trip to Philippi. Because Paul devoted himself to sharing the love of Christ with these folks, they devote themselves to his care when he’s in jail. 

The apostle thinks its time for Epaphroditus to head back home (v25). The Big E is some sort of authority figure in the church. Maybe an elder. Possibly the pastor. He made his delivery of supplies to Paul. “I have received full payment, and more, I am well supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent, a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God” (Phil 4:18). But he doesn’t return home empty handed. The apostle pays him the great compliment by calling this man “my brother and fellow worker and fellow soldier” (v25). When the dude who wrote most of the New Testament drops those titles on you, it’s kind of a big deal. As one who’s made similar sacrifices of service for his Savior, Paul knows it when he sees it. 

The man from Tarsus also refers to Epaphroditus as “your messenger and minister to my need” (v25). It’s interesting to note that the word we read in the ESV as “messenger” is the Greek word we often translate as “apostle” (Gr. apostolos). This doesn’t mean we should add E’s name to the list of the Twelve. There are only a dozen of those. But back in the Greco-Roman world, an apostle was a pretty common position. The term describes a representative with the full rights, privileges, and authority of the one who sends them. Just as Jesus gave each of His twelve apostles His full authority wherever they went, Epaphroditus is the official rep of the Philippian church. Since they couldn’t all go, they sent him to go for them. That’s what Paul means when he talks about how Epaphroditus was able “to complete what was lacking in your service to me” (v30). We should all want to go. But we all can’t go. Let’s look for opportunities to represent our local church for the cause of Christ. However when the Lord opens the doors for fellow believers to take His message to faraway places, we should step up and help them. All of us can pray for them. Some of us should pay for them. Remember, we give because He’s given us SO much. This is an incredible privilege to do give back since they are repping Jesus on our behalf. 

As I mentioned earlier, the Big E nearly D-I-E-D when he got to Paul. “Indeed he was ill, near to death” (v27). But here’s the crazy part. While Epaphroditus nearly croaked on this mission of mercy, his biggest concern was for this friends back in Philippi. “For he was longing for you all and has been distressed because you heard he was ill” (v26). The apostle writes that Epaphroditus is “distressed” and uses a verb in the original language (Gr. ademoneo) which literally means to be very heavy or full of heaviness. It’s the strongest Greek word for depression. He’s deeply depressed. He’s very upset. He’s overcome with anguish. NOT for his own situation. The brother may be on his death bed but he’s completely bummed that folks back home are so worried about him.

Paul can’t wait to send him so they “may rejoice at seeing him again, and that I may be less anxious” (v28). The apostle will be relieved when Epaphroditus is finally back home safe and sound. He also knows the Philippians won’t be able to wipe the smiles off their faces when the Big E walks through the front door again. Once again, this little letter drips with joy. Despite all that’s happened to him, the man from Tarsus has joy in the joint. And he can’t wait to spread that joy to the folks in Philippi by sending their rep back home. Happiness is based on our circumstances. Jesus gives us His joy that’s WAY beyond our situation. Nothing can steal our joy. 

There’s going to be quite party back in Macedonia when Epaphroditus rolls back into town. Paul gives them two commands. One, “receive him in the Lord with all joy” (v29). Sure sounds like a party to me! Think ticker tape parade. Somebody book a DJ or live band. Two, “honor such men” (v29). God’s people should celebrate the humility and self-sacrifice demonstrated by guys like Epaphroditus. One trip through the checkout counter shows us who our society honors. Check out the covers of People and Us magazines. Turn any episode of “Access Hollywood” or “Entertainment Tonight.” We hold high the beautiful people. We lift up the rich and powerful. Instead of keeping up with the Kardashians, we should be shining the spotlight on those who sacrifice and serve in the name of our Savior. 

It’s a theme all throughout the Bible. There’s a little church in the town just down the road from Philippi in Thessalonica. The apostle had similar orders for them. “We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly because of their work” (1Th 5:12-13). Paul wanted the Corinthians to honor Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus “for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people” (1Cor 16:17-18). The apostle tells his protege Tim, “Let the elders who rule well be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in preaching and teaching” (1Tim 5:7). In other words, take practical steps to give your preacher honor, like a good salary. Here’s the big idea. When someone is a rock star in their service to Jesus, make sure everyone knows. When a volunteer sells out for the Gospel, honor them. When a small group leader builds into the lives of others, honor them. When an associate pastor devotes himself to a grieving family, honor them. Get the idea? 

Not everybody can go, so let's honor those who can. Every time someone rocks the joint for Jesus, it’s time to let everyone know. 

God's House Band

If you’ve ever played in a band, you don’t do it for the money. For every U2, Rolling Stones, and Maroon 5, there are tens of thousands of bands who come out on the short end of the bar bill at the end of the gig. But God has a plan to take care of the house band at His temple. That’s what we read here in Nehemiah 12:44-47. Each member of God’s chosen people will regularly contribute to the support of the folks who play on the worship team. They’ll stock storerooms full of food and supplies for every person who serves at the temple, all of the priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers. Who says there are no miracles mentioned in the book of Nehemiah? When the people give what God commands, His band doesn’t struggle to eat. 

Remember the setting of the story. It’s 445 BC. After His people spent 70-plus years of captivity in Babylon, God orchestrates their return to the Promised Land in three waves. First, under Zerubbabel (Ez 2:1-2). Second, with Ezra (Ez 7:6-10). Third, Nehemiah led the way (Neh 2:9-11). It’s important to remember the R’s of story. The people return. They rebuild the temple (Ez 6:14-15). They refurbish the walls (Neh 6:15). They repent of their sin (Neh 10:28-39). They repopulate the city (Neh 11:1-36). And ultimately they rejoice and praise God for all He’s doing (Neh 12:31-43).

The very same day as the twin parades on top of the walls and massive party at the temple, Nehemiah took very specific steps to provide for everyone serving in worship. “On that day men were appointed over storerooms, the contributions, the firstfruits, and the tithes, to gather them the portions required by the Law for the priests and for the Levites” (v44). You see, God’s plan to provide for those on the worship team isn’t anything new. He’s had that on the books for centuries (Lev 7:34-36; 18:21-24; Dt 18:1-5). God has given every other Jewish family a specific inheritance in the Promised Land EXCEPT for the descendants of Levi. No, He has a VERY special blessing for them. God Himself will be their inheritance (Dt 18:2). He’s handpicked Levi’s family “out of all your tribes to stand an minister in the name of the LORD, him and his sons for all time” (Dt 18:5). In return for their service, God “has given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service that they do” (Lev 19:21). 

The LORD blesses His band through the generosity of His people. That’s a perfect example of how He uses us to bless others. God graciously allows us to be part of His process of blessing. Our God is a Lover. Our God is a Giver. In fact, there’s no greater giver in the universe. A couple of chapters back, the people praise Him for placing them under His waterfall of grace (Neh 9:6-37). That’s not just limited to the Old Testament. Jesus tells Nicodemus how His Dad continues to keep on loving and giving. “For God so loved, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). God is also conforming us into the image of His Son (Rom 8:29; 2Cor 3:18), conforming us into givers as well. He blesses the band by turning His people into givers. He blesses those around us by turning us into givers too.

The people are still stoked over the epic party God has just thrown. In particular, the band rocked! “For Judah rejoiced over the priests and the Levites who ministered” (v44). The LORD used these men to lead the celebration over the completion of the walls. As an expression of thanks to God for His blessing through His band, people take the time to stock the storerooms at the temple. Along with the singers and gatekeepers, these servants at the house of God are doing everything “according to the command of David and his son Solomon” (v45). This is really nothing new. They simply went back to the way things worked under the musical direction of King David and his worship leader Asaph (v46). Consider it classic rock. 

Nehemiah reminds us of the power and importance of music. God continually commands us to use music as means to praise Him. Why else would He include Psalms, an entire book of the Bible to contain the lyrics of some of the greatest songs of all time? Music has a mysterious ability to touch our hearts like nothing else. Notice how God provides the lyrics but never gives us sheet music. It’s the words that set our minds on the goodness of our God. There’s no form of music that is inherently evil apart from the lyrics. There’s no requirement of certain instruments to be used in church (just do a search in Scripture for pianos and organs and see what you come up with). And when volume is discussed, it’s always loud. VERY loud. But the big point here is God’s gift of music. Crank it up.

Nehemiah wraps things up by describing how the temple staff divvy up the people’s offerings. Since the days of Zerubbabel up until Nehemiah’s era, all of Israel have been dropping off their stuff daily (v47). That’s how things have been done for almost 100 years since the Big Z first started bringing worship back. Once the supplies arrive at the temple, they divide them for each of the singers, gatekeepers, Levites and priests. When God’s people give, His house band isn’t broke. Who says there are no miracles in the book of Nehemiah?

Party People

Because I’m happy! Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof.

Because I’m happy! Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth.

Because I’m happy! Clap along if you know what happiness is to you.

Because I’m happy! Clap along if you feel like that’s what you wanna do.

“Happy” by Pharrell 

Not exactly the first thing pops into your head when somebody mentions the Old Testament. Usually it’s the wrath and judgment of an angry God. Strange wars between the Israelites and people with weird names like the Moabites, Ammonites, and Mosquito Bites. How ‘bout long lists of crazy laws and rules? But when you actually open up the OT and read it for yourself, you’ll see plenty of parties and parades. God’s people are a party people. And that’s because the LORD gives us plenty to party about. I think Pharrell is onto something. God and His blessings sometimes make you feel like you’re living in a room without a roof. Sometimes it means a party ON the roof!

That’s the scene here in Nehemiah 12:1-43. After 70-plus years of Babylonian exile, God’s chosen people are back in the Promised Land. It’s taken a while but they’ve rebuilt the temple (Ez 6:14-15), refurbished the walls (Neh 6:15), repented of their sin (Neh 10:28-39), and repopulated the city (Neh 11:1-36). Now it’s time to rejoice! If ever there was a time for the Jewish people to whoop it up and throw it down, it’s now. They’re not celebrating what they’ve accomplished but what God is doing through them and for them. And we’re going to see that He even is the One behind this big bash. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves.

Nehemiah spends the first 26 verses of the chapter going over the roster of all of dudes who served as chief priests, priests, Levites, and gatekeepers since the Hebrews began their series of returns from exile. We start by blowing the dust off the page with a list that goes back to the “priests and Levites who came up with Zerubbabel” (v1). That’s 538 BC, some 93 years ago before Nehemiah’s return to Jerusalem. Zerubbabel led the expedition while Jeshua was the high priest. The roster goes on to break down those folks serving at the temple under the next two high priests, Joiakim (v12-21) and Eliashib (v22-26). 

So just who are these fellas? Well, they serve at the temple. So does that mean they’re stodgy party poppers who serve as the local fun police? I mean, aren’t people who work at the church supposed to make sure nobody gets anywhere close to having a good time? It’s sure how I remember things back where I grew up. But there’s just one little problem. That couldn’t be anymore wrong. These priests, Levites, and gatekeepers do everything they can to pull back the curtain on the joy we can only find in the LORD. They’re not party poopers but party starters!

The people of Judah were ready to get this party started a couple of thousand years before Pink. The Levites are just the folks they seek out when it comes to celebrating the completion of the rebuilt city walls. “And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites in all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness with thanksgivings and singing, with cymbals, harps, and lyres” (v27). In other words, every great party needs a great band. Bust out the sound system, boys. Crank that bad boy up to 11. This is gonna get loud! Every member of the worship team hightails into town for this spectacular hootenanny (v28). 

The governor decides to crank up this party with not one but two parades. “Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two great choirs that gave thanks” (v31). Remember, Nehemiah’s mission all started when God broke his heart with breaking news about the broken walls of Jerusalem (Neh 1:2-11). Less than one year later, the walls up so it’s time to party down and thank the LORD for all He’s done to make this a reality. Curiously, the original language here doesn’t say anything about a choir. Nehemiah uses the Hebrew word towdah. It literally means thanksgiving or praise. These aren’t two big choirs of singers wearing robes and carrying hymnals. We’re talking about two huge teams of thankers and praisers. Are folks singing? You betcha. But don’t forget the musicians who’ve joined them (v27). This is less like a church service and more like Mardi Gras (minus the beads and debauchery!).

This shindig actually starts ON the walls! Talk about a room without a roof! Ezra leads parade number one which “went to the south on the wall to the Dung Gate” (v31). Nehemiah follows parade number two which “went to the north” (v38). These two rolling celebrations head in opposite directions with the plan to meet at the temple and whoop it up together (v40). Once at the house of God, lead singer Jezrahiah and the rest of the vocalists really cut loose (v42). This bash just keeps getting louder and louder and louder. 

Just in case you’re not buying the idea of this massive shindig the people are throwing in thanks to God, Nehemiah invites you in for a closer look. “And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away” (v43). Did you catch all that rejoicing? Happen to notice all that joy? The people rejoice. God made them rejoice. They have great joy. Women and kids rejoice. And their joy is LOUD! The governor drops two closely related Hebrew terms here. One is a noun, simchah, which means joy, gladness, pleasure, happiness, and jubilation. The other is a verb, samach, and it means to rejoice, be glad, celebrate, take pleasure, and revel. This isn’t some boring and stuffy reception in the church basement. Nehemiah gives us a glimpse of unbridled joy and jubilation in Jerusalem!

This is one of those shindigs where one of the neighbors calls the cops because of the volume. “And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away” (v43). Imagine what’s going through the minds of Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and the other thugs when they hear the cheers from Jerusalem ringing in their ears. They’ve done everything they could to frighten and confuse the Jews and shut down the wall project (Neh 2:10, 19; 4:1-3, 7-8; 6:1-19). The noise level from the city reminds everyone of One behind their success. 

Because God is epic, this party is epic. This party has the heavenly stamp of approval. We see that “God had made them rejoice” (v43). All along, Nehemiah tells everybody who would listen that God has a firm grip on the process (Neh 2:8, 17; 4:20; 6:16). When the truth of God’s Word reveals their sin and rebellion, the people cry their eyes out. That’s when the governor lets them know that this is no time for tears. “For the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Neh 8:10). This a HUGE reminder that God is more committed to your joy than you are. So instead of thinking of He’s a cosmic killjoy, we should realize God wants His best for us. He wants His joy for us. Hard as it is for most of us to believe, that happens when we embrace a willing obedience to His commands. He didn’t give them to us to keep us from having fun, but to protect us from ourselves. Our obedience brings Him glory. Our obedience unlocks our joy. Pretty cool how that works out, huh?

Don’t get me wrong. Life is not one big bash with a hot cover band. Not even close. That’s because we’ve jacked up God’s perfect creation through our own sin and rebellion. As a result, we’ve opened the door to death, disease, and decay into the world. But God sent His Son to our rescue to save us from all that we’ve done. And in the end, He’s inviting us to greatest party the universe will ever see called the “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Rev 19:9). If you think things got loud in Jerusalem that day, the wedding reception for Jesus and His church is going to blow the doors off the place. The crowd is so loud, it will be “like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder” (Rev 19:6). That’s because they’ve cranked the music all the way up. I’m not sure Pharrell is going to be on the playlist, but the music will be blasting. As Tony Campolo likes to say, “The kingdom of God is a party.” God’s people should be party people. Because God is epic, His party is epic.