Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous day, for God had given the people cause for great joy. The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away. (Nehemiah 12:43)
Nehemiah ordered everyone on the wall and up they came by the dozens. Ezra led the first choir, while Nehemiah directed the second choir; so we have Ezra on one side of the city’s wall and Nehemiah on the other side.
“Then . . . I appointed two great choirs, the first proceeding to the right on top of the wall . . . . The second choir proceeded to the left.” (Nehemiah 12:31, 38 NASB)
I’ve often tried to imagine what that must have looked like from outside the wall. Hundreds of singers, all varieties of instruments, joyous dancing, and an elation that certainly wouldn’t resemble today’s average church service! That’s what I get when I picture Nehemiah 12:43 in my mind:
“On that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced because God had given them great joy, and the women and children rejoiced as well, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from far away.” (NASB)
The Bible says, “A joyful heart is good medicine” (Proverbs 17:22 NASB) and “A joyful heart makes a cheerful face” (15:13 NASB). Isn’t that the truth! People want to be near the individual who smiles and sings his or her way through life. A joyful heart is contagious. And it fits any situation, no matter how bad the circumstances.
I’m impressed with the fact that Nehemiah 12:43 does not say the song was heard from far away. It says, the joy was heard from far away. That encourages me! People don’t pay much attention to voices and words, but they cannot ignore genuine, heartfelt joy.
One great application pours out of these verses: Happiness is not dependent on outward circumstances but upon inward choice. When you have chosen to focus on what’s important in any situation, you smile and sing through an experience and come out rejoicing. It all depends upon what you choose to make your focus.
To those of you who are now in leadership positions or plan to be in the future:
- Do you bring joy to those you lead?
- Is your leadership marked by a good sense of humour?
I know of few things more magnetic than a smile or a cheerful disposition, especially among those in God’s work. How easy it is to become intense, severe, grim, and even oppressive! The people under Nehemiah’s leadership felt free to rejoice and laugh. Do the people who are under your leadership feel that freedom?
