Nehemiah chapter 12:27-47 captures a powerful and joyous moment: a special celebration to dedicate the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem. This celebration finalizes Nehemiah's mission of re-establishing Jerusalem as the worship centre of a faithful and God-fearing people in a close covenant relationship with God, continuing the legacy of those who came before. Zooming out even further, the dedication of the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem is a climax to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah and marks the last stage in the long restoration process after exile. It's a big moment for Israel; they go all out.

This celebration in Nehemiah prompts us to examine and consider ways in which we, as Christ followers, joyously celebrate God and what he is doing in and through us individually and corporately as a church. May we be filled with joy that only comes from worshipping God with everything! May we hold nothing back and that people notice and want to discover this great God we love, worship and joyously follow with everything!