Good News

Nehemiah 8: 1-3, 5-6, 8-10.v 8 “They read from the Book of the Law of God and clearly explained the meaning of what was being read, helping the people understand each passage.”

People were returning to Jerusalem, but the walls had been torn down and the gates had been burned by fire. Nehemiah wept and he prayed, and he said he was sorry for sinning against God including himself and his family. He asked for forgiveness then set about making things right. He organized different groups to rebuild the walls, make the gates and was able to secure the city. Then when everyone was back in their own homes, they assembled just inside the Water Gate and Nehemiah was asked to read from the Book of the Law of God. As other priest explained to the people the meaning of the words from the bible the people wept. The leaders united and said “Do not mourn or weep on such a day as this”

My mind is scattered. For most of my life I have been a doer not a thinker, a problem solver not a discerner a people person not a paper pusher. I have completed tasks over the past two years that I have never had the time to do before, like read the entire bible using a three-month reading plan. I have written 273 blog posts to date and have kept my feet on the ground only flying once to British Columbia, when in the previous five years I had been on a plane for at least a couple of trips each year.  The first trip of 2022 was cancelled due to the current COVID restrictions in long-term-care. Churches are closed. Will we ever get to gather, together with more than 50 people again? To sit face to face in groups and learn about God’s word?  

This good news story in Nehemiah says yes. But first we must pray. To be sorry for the harsh words we said to the people we love, for the tasks around the house that are left as YouTube has so many interesting things to watch. To stop complaining about what we can’t do and organize the things that we can do and live with the good news that we will be together again in person for a time to rejoice.

Prayer: Holy God, forgive us today for our weaknesses in being distracted in the quiet from what you want us to do. In complaining about being home when we should be thankful for the home we have. Guide us towards your new plan for the Church as we rebuild community and provide a safe place for others to learn about the good news. Amen