Neh 8:9

"And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep." For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law" Neh 8:9

There is something foreboding about the truth - especially when you are trying to hide from it. It seems to reach out and slap you in the face. It takes your breath away. It crushes your pride. It causes great pain. It reveals your true nature. And you weep with great sorrow - and brings you to repentance.

That's what happened to the people who returned from the exile. They were rebuilding the entire city of Jerusalem - making it safe for habitation - making it a place to worship God again. Then someone finds a copy of the law. An assembly is called. The Word of God is read. Sin is revealed - and the wailing begins.

That's one way to look at the truth. Nehemiah had another idea. He saw the truth as an opportunity to begin again. He sent word to stop the weeping. It was not a time to cry, but a time to celebrate. The truth had been revealed. Now they knew why they had been in exile. Now they knew why their plans had failed. Now they knew what to do to correct the problem! Indeed it was a time to celebrate!

I've said that true revival will begin with the sound of weeping - and I still believe that. But after the weeping will come the celebration of life! While we may not enjoy the truth, we all love a good party! Why will we celebrate? We will have found new life. We will have discovered new strength. We will have broken through the barrier that separates us from God. We will have touched the heart of God. We will have entered into His presence.

Yes, we will celebrate. But first comes the weeping in the night. As the psalmist says, "Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy." (Psa 126:5) Amen and Amen.