Today's Devotion: 10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” (The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. Ne 8:10)

The context of this message is the return of the exiled Jews to their homeland, their city, Jerusalem, and their temple. When they returned, they were aware of their sins and transgressions against God. On the other hand, Nehemiah exhorts them to celebration, for the Lord has enabled their return and their transgressions have been put aside.

Today's Comments: The lessons of the prodigal son in the New Testament also applies to God's prodigal people, the Jews. This passage says that it is now time for the celebration of God's people in their return to their heavenly father's place. Only, this story does not have a happy ending. For Gods people again stray, and by 70 AD, all that they have built is destroyed.

Yet, even today God has returned the Jews to their homeland. Will they, at some point, get it right and worship the one who came to atone for their sins? Time will tell.