I have never been in a place so loud. About a month ago, I traveled with my family to Glendale, AZ for the BCS Championship held in the University of Phoenix Stadium. I have never seen or heard anything like it. The energy and excitement was electrifying. IT WAS LOUD. On one of my trips to get food (yes there was more than one), my ears actually hurt. Don't misunderstand, I am not saying, "you should have seen all the loud crazies;" I was one of the loud crazies. Why shouldn't I be? My team had made it, after a long time of not making it, we were there and we had reason to celebrate.
One of my favorite episodes in Scripture describes a scene that I think would have put that AZ stadium to shame. In chapter twelve of Nehemiah the Israelites gather for the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem. The work was finished. Finally the wall is complete. After captivity, exile, defeated first attempts, Nehemiah's brokenness; after everything they had been through the wall was finished. What some thought would never happen is now a very real, very tall wall. Now was the time to celebrate. Certainly they had reason to be glad that the work was done and that they were regaining their beautiful city, but let's not miss the importance of the wall itself. The people were no longer open and exposed to the enemy. They were not only rescued but now fortified. Former captives now dwelled in their protected city; they were home. So they sang loud. Nehemiah 12:43 says, "and on that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, even the women and children rejoiced so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar." They knew that hardship and enemies would soon come, but, that day, was a day of rejoicing, and they worshipped with a loud voice. Why shouldn't they? They had reason to celebrate.
Over and over again in the Word of God we are commanded to rejoice and be glad, and no one has reason quite like a Christian. In Jesus Christ we have been rescued and fortified. Protected and directed by the arms of the Almighty Creator God. Of course we sing loud. Do you know what He has done? Have you not heard? Do you not know? Do you know what He continues to do? Do you not remember captivity? Have you not experienced freedom? Of course we sing loud.
Why wouldn't we? We have reason to celebrate.
What a fun picture! I've always thought of a sort of "heavenly" (read that polite, happy, reserved) rejoicing but you're right. We should be using our loudest proudest party voice! Also, how amazing is it to think about that huge celebration being for us when we came to join the party!?!?!
ReplyDeleteMaria