“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. 28 The musicians also were brought together from the region around Jerusalem—from the villages of the Netophathites,” 31 I had the leaders of Judah go up on top of the wall. I also assigned two large choirs to give thanks. One was to proceed on top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate. 32 Hoshaiah and half the leaders of Judah followed them . . . Ezra the teacher of the Law led the procession. 37 At the Fountain Gate they continued directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the site of David’s palace to the Water Gate on the east.“
“38 The second choir proceeded in the opposite direction. I followed them on top of the wall, together with half the people—past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall, 39 over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. At the Gate of the Guard they stopped. 40 The two choirs that gave thanks then took their places in the house of God; so did I, together with half the officials, 41 as well as the priests . . . The choirs sang under the direction of Jezrahiah. 43 And on that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced. The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.” Nehemiah 12:12:27-32,36-41, 42-43 NIV
God of rejoicing,
There have been years of hard work, hard labour and working under duress from threatening neighbours. There has been much self sacrifice providing material to rebuild the walls. They are finished. When he arrived, Nehemiah inspected the walls at night alone. Now it is time for everyone to come and inspect the walls together and rejoice.
I am so glad that the church knows how to rejoice as well as be serious about building the Kingdom and keeping Your commandments. There must be time to rejoice over what has been achieved before planning and moving on. And music to rejoice with. Two choirs and the women and children rejoicing. The sound could be heard far away.
I am sure in summer when church windows and doors are open the sound of loud joyful singing draws those passing to listen. And I pray it is an acceptable offering from Your grateful children. Remind us how much we have to sing about in Jesus.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 13th October 2025
What better than a song of salvation . . .
Hear the bells ringing
They’re singing, that you can be born again
Hear the bells ringing
They’re singing, “Christ is risen from the dead!”
The angel up on the tombstone
Said, “He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell His disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead!”
Joy to the world
He has risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
Hallelujah
Hear the bells ringing
They’re singing, that you can be healed right now
Hear the bells ringing
They’re singing, “Christ, He will reveal it now”
The angels, they all surround us
And they are ministering Jesus’s power
Quickly now, reach out and receive it
For this could be your glorious hour
Chorus
Lyrics: Keith Green