God's Heart

In this season, above all, I feel a heightened awareness of the war between my flesh and my spirit. And here, when I am so aware of my frailties, God's Word cuts me to the quick, I see how far I fall short of the glory of God and see how wide the chasm between my righteousness and the glory that He's called me to—and I weep. I weep as I read this story of Nehemiah and Ezra, and the people of God returning from captivity, yet again, to the covenant from ages past, rediscovering the ancient path toward peace with God.

Ezra, the priest, brought the law before the assembly of men, women, and all who could listen with understanding…and he read from it before the square from early morning until midday, in the presence of men and women…and all the people were attentive to the book of the law…and they read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading. Then Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping when they heard the words of the law. Then he said to them, “Go, eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved.” And all the people went away to eat, to drink, to send portions and to celebrate a great festival, because they understood the words which had been made known to them.” (taken from Nehemiah 8:2-12)

As I see this age-old problem of wandering from the covenant, bondage, pain, awakening to this fallenness, sorrow, repentance, and miraculous recovery of communion with God, I weep. I read this age-old story, told and retold countless times in the pages of the history of God’s relationship with man—and I weep—for sadness at how much I see myself in these fallen people, and for joy, because I hear and understand the words of God, made known to me, “Do not mourn or weep. This day is holy to the LORD. Be still. Come and feast on the abundance I have given you. Celebrate My goodness and mercy. The joy of who I AM, will be your strength.” And suddenly my soul is at rest, and the Holy Spirit whispers, “It’s the same song My angels sang out that blessed night so long ago, “A Savior has been born to you. PEACE on earth. GOODWILL toward men.”

And my soul sings along, “Glory to God in the highest!”