Party Time!

Nehemiah 8:17 (NIV)
 The whole company that had returned from exile built booths and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the Israelites had not celebrated it like this. And their joy was very great. 

It sounds like they had quite a party going on. For the first time since their captivity, the nation of Israel was in a celebratory mood. The Feast of Tabernacles was the reason and their joy was very great.

Time had passed, the people were returned to their homeland and now it was time to celebrate. Many of us have 'going away' parties, but who of us had had a 'coming home' party?  We observe birthdays with a celebration as well as anniversaries.  We come together as friends and family on special occasions, and this was a special occasion for sure.

The people were home and it was the Feast of the Tabernacles and Ezra was reading from the Book. Their captivity was behind them and their future lay before them. There will be another homecoming celebration for them and for us.  They day we return to our Heavenly home there will be such joy!

My devotion this morning reminded me to trust God and believe. "My grace is sufficient for you." (2 Corinthians 12:9) Never change God's facts into hopes or prayers but simply acct them as realities, and you will find them to be powerful as you believe them. - Streams in the Desert  This is the word I received after asking God to lift a feeling of heaviness I was feeling.  His grace is sufficient...

Nehemiah 8:13-18