Nehemiah 12:42-43 The choirs sang under the direction of Jezrahiah. 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.
The people of God gathered together around the city to rejoice and praise God. The wall was completed, the Temple was functioning and the people rejoiced. Offering were brought to God from the joyful people. Jerusalem’s wall was a symbol of salvation and her gates of praise.
I am reminded of the two offerings listed in Hebrews 13:15-16:
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
These two offerings should never be divorced. Thanksgiving goes up to God from worshipers with grateful hearts. Thankful that Christ has gathered them to himself, has washed them clean and has anointed them with His Holy Spirit.
The second offering is of giving. It flows outward to other people. The practical expression of our thankfulness to God is in our extending the same grace, love and mercy to the least and the lost among us each day. Giving tithes to the work of the church is on equal footing with giving tithes to the poor, needy and helpless. God has entrusted us with the wealth that we have and expects that we use it to extend his care, love and mercy to others.
Remember, God loves a cheerful giver. Rejoice, worker, rejoice.
