DAILY?READINGS: Ezra 3-4; Daniel 5; Revelation 1
That day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy…so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off. Nehemiah 12:43
The Jews had rebuilt the wall around Jerusalem in only 52 days. This feat was a testimony of Jehovah’s grace to the nation. As they recalled God’s faithfulness, the Jews were prompted to joyfully praise Him so profoundly that they were heard afar off. F. B. Hole reminds us that when hearts are clean and dedicated to God, joy and thankfulness walk together: “If true dedication marks us, God will receive His portion in praise and thanksgiving; we shall have joy in heart; and there will be no lack of gifts for the support of the work of God and of His servants.” —W. A. H.
Take the name of Jesus with you, child of sorrow and of woe,
It will joy and comfort give you, take it, then, where’er you go.—L. Baxter