Join the Parade of Praise
Scripture Reading — Nehemiah 12:27-47
They offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy… The sound of rejoicing in Jerusalem could be heard far away.
—Nehemiah 12:43
I attended a college football game in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to see my favorite college team play against the University of Michigan. My team was losing badly, so I left before the game ended. As I walked to my car, I could hear the loud cheers of the fans of the winning team.
The big event in Jerusalem was the dedication of the completed wall. It was time to celebrate and let all the nations know who was responsible. Nehemiah split the many singers and musicians into two groups—like two great marching bands. One choir, with cymbals and other instruments, paraded “up the steps of the City of David… The second choir proceeded in the opposite direction.” Nehemiah followed with a proud heart and glad spirit. Once the two choirs met up at the house of God, the people erupted in joyful praise that could be heard for miles around. Every person joined in the praise parade. God was worthy of their praise, and nothing could stop them.
Each day we have the opportunity to join the gospel parade and sing our praise to God. Let your praise of Jesus echo through your heart to your voice. “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story …” (Psalm 107:1-2).
Master Jesus, I was created to praise you. I will not stand on the sidelines and just be a spectator. I will sing of your goodness to the people around me. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Reginald Smith
Dr. Reginald Smith is senior pastor at Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has served for seventeen years. He has also served as a pastor in Paterson, New Jersey. He and his wife, Sharon, have three daughters, Janelle, Katrina, and Mariah.
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