DAILY READING
REFLECTION
A Memorable Family Reunion
by Dan Kidd
For quite a while now, it has been our hope and our goal that UALC would be an oasis community in a dry and thirsty world. That we would be a community that receives Christ's living water, and we would carry that water with us into the world for the love of others.
What I love about today's passage is that it illustrates for us a community of God's people, led by individuals who seemed to want their community to be like that: a community that received God's love, promises, and directions who would then carry that with them into the world, into every part of their lives.
The passage begins with God's people gathering for the first time to hear God's Word read in the town square by the Water Gate (near the Fountain gate, facing the springs and reservoir that were Israel's water supply) after having been exiled for decades. What a profound, holy day that must have been for them! The mayor, Nehemiah was there, along with their head priest, Ezra, along with the Levites helping the people to understand what was being read. And much like our church services, the congregation stood, and lifted their hands, and then bowed, all joined in worship as they heard God's word read.
The congregation was moved to tears. As they heard the stories of the Lord and his people, from Eden to Abraham, of Isaac and Jacob, Joseph, and Moses, and the Lord’s commandments for them, they were so stirred with conviction that they felt grief. Seeing their mourning, Nehemiah, Ezra, and the Levites comforted them. Nehemiah then instructed them to share a meal with one another, sharing with those who were unprepared, and declaring, "This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” How fitting that, after decades of exile, in response to the Lord's rescue and restoration, the people would gather to worship him, hear the Word read and preached, join in a meal together, and receive a benediction of the joy of the Lord's strength!
I would so love for this to ever be our posture at UALC; that we would gather in celebration of what the Lord has saved us from and reconciled us into, as we worship together, hear Scripture such that it stirs our hearts and draws us to the feet of Jesus, and then share a family meal together at the Table and receive the comfort and joy knowing and trusting in the Lord's strength. Like a true oasis community.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for stories like these that remind of us of the continuity of your loving, rescuing, redeeming relationship with your people. Thank you for all of the reasons you've given us to worship you, and the opportunity to do so freely and so often. Train our hearts to be full of appreciation that we can gather with our family, with you as our Father, and receive your living water to stir us and satisfy our thirsts. We ask for your continued blessing over our community, that we would be unified at your Table, that we would receive the joy of your strength, and that we would take that living water with us into every corner of our lives.
I really liked your thoughts on the importance of community. Good job.