Celebrate

How excited would you be to know that you were going to be transported into God’s presence? Would such knowledge produce joyful anticipation or dread? Some would probably be shocked to consider that God really exists, much less the possibility of one day experiencing His presence. The record of those who have had transcendent experiences of God’s presence typically include an acute awareness of their unworthiness and dismay because of that. Yet for those who know God and already desire to experience His presence there is an element of joy, of celebration.

Several Bible passages refer to joy in God's presence. In Isaiah 29, we read about a time when the deaf shall hear the words of the book, And the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. The humble also shall increase their joy in the LORD, And the poor among men shall rejoice (or celebrate) in the Holy One of Israel. [Is. 29:18-19]

While we should always take God's holiness very seriously, we need to learn to respond joyfully as well. I think of the time recorded in the book of Nehemiah, when the people of God had gathered together to celebrate the completion of the building of Jerusalem's walls. They did so by bringing out the Hebrew Scriptures (the Law of Moses) and reading the word of God publicly in Jerusalem for the first time in years.

Here's how the project manager recorded it in chapter 8 of his book. Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, "This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn nor weep." For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength." [Ne. 8:9-10] Notice how the people had the appropriate response of humility and even mourning at first, but the leaders of the people knew that such a special occasion called for joy and rejoicing.

Joy should characterize our lives. But that is only possible if we have peace with God through his Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In these days, God invites us to enjoy knowing Him, even in the middle of stressful, difficult circumstances. The people we just read about had had an arduous time of it - travelling hundreds of miles through hostile lands to get back to Jerusalem. They had taken on the mammoth task of rebuilding the walls while surrounded by enemies who mocked and threatened them. They still faced years of reconstruction of the interior of the city and the reestablishment of their lives. Life had not been and would not be easy for them, yet their leaders reminded them that the joy of the Lord was their strength.

The New Testament speaks of the fact that the kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (see Romans 14:17). Lack of joy is insulting to God for it demonstrates our dissatisfaction with Him. The circumstances of life may be hard and disappointing, but He has promised to be with us and provide sufficient grace for our needs. He promises that He will complete His good work in us. Regardless of what life hands us, we know we can depend on the goodness of God.

Maybe you are wondering on what basis we dare celebrate in God's presence. Maybe you are remembering that someone told you that God is a consuming fire, a jealous God, One who will not tolerate sin. These things are indeed true and they might lead us to question this matter of celebration, but don't forget that God himself celebrates. Luke 15 tells us about the joy in heaven when a sinner turns back to God. Psalm 16 tell us about the fullness of joy in God's presence and the fact that at His right hand are eternal pleasures.

At least part of the reason we can celebrate in the holy presence of God is because the demands of His holy justice were met at the cross. We celebrate because God was satisfied with the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary and we will never again be called to answer for our sin. All sin confessed and turned from is eternally forgiven. So come on. Learn to celebrate in God’s presence.

Ron Hughes
© January 2008