Celebration is a spiritual discipline. It is not optional. There are Psalms of celebration in the Bible where we are encourages to celebrate. It is not based on feeling. Paul could rejoice in chains and in prison! There are at least four reasons to be cheerful: –

1 – God has it all under control – so yield

The nation recognised that the return from exile and building success was due to God. Three pagan kings (Xerxes, Cyrus and Darius) were blessing this work! God used these kings for His purposes. God moves in unlikely ways. See Romans 8:28-29. God’s ways are not our ways. God weaves things together for good. God knows what He is doing! We need to know this to be true.

2 – God has something to say – so listen

When people had lost purpose and zeal, God would raise up His prophet. The people were to listen to these prophets. God is not silent. Are we listening?

3 – The joy of a job well done – so believe and celebrate

They knew the moment that the last brick was laid and it cause to celebrate a job well done! Let’s believe in a God of the possible. Things which seem impossible to us are possible for God. When God starts something, He will finish it. Their hearts were on worship rather than the building. Notice they setup the clergy and sacrifices. It was more important to have worship and God’s Word.

4 – God has rescued us – so be holy

They celebrated the Passover in recognition that they have been rescued. They had separated themselves from their ungodly neighbours so that they could live holy lives pleasing to God. We are God’s people and have been “rescued”. God calls us also to repentance and holiness. There are reasons to be joyful and celebrate. Let us enjoy God!

Categories: Ezra