Nehemiah 12:27-29 - At
the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were
sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate
joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of
cymbals, harps and lyres. The singers also
were brought together from the region around Jerusalem--from the villages of
the Netophathites, from Beth Gilgal, and from the area of Geba
and Azmaveth, for the singers had built villages for themselves around
Jerusalem.
Nehemiah called together
the people to dedicate the city and Temple to God. He divided the leaders and singers that had come
into two groups…and as they sang praise to God for what he had helped them
accomplish…they walked the entire wall of the city until they met at the other
side. Then they went to the Temple and
continued to sing… praise… and worship God.
The celebration
continued at the Temple…all the people…even the women and children participated
in singing….sacrifices…offering praise and prayers of thanks. It was a wonderful
time…when all the people had gathered together…and let their hearts be
completely given to God for a short time of pure praise and worship.
I wonder what would
happen if we organized ourselves this way…and dedicated our churches….our
schools…our homes …even our cities…to God like they did. Yes…some people would
say we were crazy. They would call us
radical and say it wouldn’t change anything. But I believe God would look down
on the effort…and see the hearts that want his love to change the crazy world
we live in.
I am pretty sure
the people inside Jericho called the Israelites crazy as they marched around
the wall …silent…except for some trumpet blasts….until the walls crumbled
around them. And those disciples walking to Emmaus…they learned a lot from
Jesus that day….and did not even know it was him until dinner.
Father…thank you
for this story that shows me a new way to dedicate and praise you for the things
you have given me. Help me to find ways
to join with others …and organize our prayers to you to dedicate the places you
send us to work…to rest….and to worship. Show us the places that you can change
as we walk around them praying and singing and giving praises to you. Amen.
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