Day 26, March 22, 2007
Nehemiah 8:13-18
The studying and understanding of the word continues on into the next day, and this leads to the recovery of a celebration that had been lost for generations. In the Law, the people discovered that the very month they were in was the month to celebrate the “Feast of Booths.” It was a time of living in tents, as a reminder of Israel’s calling as sojourners. Thus we read that the entire assembly that had returned from captivity made booths and lived in them. Let’s observe two things:
1 The feast hadn’t been practiced since the days of Joshua, probably about 600 years (I don’t have my study books with me, so don’t hold me to this. If you come with an exact number, feel free to let us know). It’s important to see how quickly the practices that define our faith can evaporate! That’s why Paul was intent on telling Timothy to make certain that, not only the doctrines, but also the practices of the faith should be passed on to the subsequent generations with great diligence. Are we teaching our children the great truths of the Scripture? How about practices such as confession, study, service, and giving? One of the most important things we can do is pass these things on, because if we don’t they’ll be quickly lost. APPLICATION: Take a moment and pray for your own children, if you have any. Ask the Lord to show you practical ways that you can pass on the practices of the faith. Take another moment and pray for the children’s ministry of our church, asking that God would give wisdom to the leaders so that they might play a significant part in imparting the faith.
2. This particular feast was important for Israel as a means of helping them remember their roots. Though God would impart many blessings to Israel, He also warned them continually that they must remember that every gift they enjoyed was because of God’s faithfulness. Failure to recall this would lead to arrogance and idolatry, which of course was what ultimately happened. We, too, need to remember our roots, realizing that God is the source of every gift we enjoy. A good way of remembering this is to spend time away from the creature comforts and gifts that continually surround us. APPLICATION: Whether as simple as going for a walk around the lake, or as profound as a night in a snow cave, GET OUT, away from the comforts and familiarity that are in danger of dulling your senses. If you can’t get out, spend some time thinking about all that God has given you, and acknowledge that absolutely everything, from the clean water you drink to the house in which you live, comes to you from the hand of God. Being reminded of this, I encourage you to give thanks, and ask that He would use these blessings to bless others through you. Ask Him to show you how He wants to do that.
posted by Richard Dahlstrom @ 9:50 AM
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