preaching and partying

And all the people went their way to eat and drink and to send portions and to make great rejoicing, because they had understood the words that were declared to them.

Nehemiah 8:12

This was a party, And what was the occasion for throwing this shindig? The citizens of Jerusalem were celebrating that they had understood the Law as it was preached to them. Yes, this was a preaching party!

The walls around Jerusalem had been rebuilt. The exiles who returned to a city of rubble and ruin had done the hard work of restoring and rebuilding the walls. This happened in spite of constant threat of attack. Even Nehemiah himself, as the leader of the effort, was conspired against during the construction. He wisely kept himself and the city safe and stayed completely committed to the task at hand, never distracted by the threats. And when the work was finished, the worship and joyful celebration began.

Ezra the scribe, along with Nehemiah the governor and all the priests and Levites gathered before the Water Gate on a large stage built for this specific moment. Then the Law (perhaps just the book of Deuteronomy) was read aloud to the people clearly. Various small groups stopped, section by section, as Levite expositors, positioned throughout the crowd, huddled people together and explained the text as they went. They read the text, paragraph by paragraph, stopped to give interpretation and application, and made sure that the people understood God’s Word (Nehemiah 8:8). That was some great preaching.

As God’s people heard and understood, they started to mourn and weep over past sins. And the leaders directed them beyond confession to enter into celebration. The Law was meant to lead hearts in obedient joyful obedience and worship as well. And that’s exactly where the celebration went. Priests and Levites directed folks to fire up their grills, throw the best meat on the fire, drink the wine, and share the good times with friends and family! It is a joy to know God and follow His Word. It is a celebration to walk in His provision and worship Him while believing and understanding His truth. What should follow from good preaching? Grateful and fun partying of course!