A Celebration of Thanksgiving
Nehemiah 12:27-43
Intro.
Nehemiah had gone to Jerusalem to rebuild the city
wall.
When it was finished, hey had a great celebration of
thanksgiving, praise, and worship.
Here is a look at their celebration
I. The Preparation. Vs. 27-31
A. The people. Vs. 27
1. All the Levites (the preachers). Vs. 27
2. The singers. Vs 28 - 29
3. The Princes. Vs. 31
a) The governmental leaders
b) The Chairman and the President
c) The council and board representatives
4. Instrumentalist. Vs. 27b, 35
a) The shofar
b) For calling the assembly together
B. The purifications. Vs. 30
1. The People.
a. The preachers.(Levites and Priests)
b. The people
2. The places
a)The Gates
b) The Walls
3. The Purpose.
a) To present themselves “clean” before the
Lord.
b) There would be confession and forgiveness of sin.
1John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness.
c. Sacrifices offered for the cleansing of sin.
- Jesus is our sacrifice.
d. Hearts would be prepared for worship
II. The Procession. Vs. 31, 40 (32-40)
A. The singers were brought in.
- They went in with Thanksgiving. Vs. 31, 40
B. They were divided into to parts.
C. They were ON the that surrounded the city.
1. Can you picture this scene?
2. A great crowd of people
III. The Program. Vs. 42
A. Singing. Vs 42
1. They sang “loud”.
2. It could be heard all over the country. Vs. 43
3. They had something to sing about - so do we.
- Victory in Jesus!
B. They offered “great sacrifices”.
1. Sacrifices of animals (sheep, goats, and heifers)
2. We have a better sacrifice.
a. The sacrifice of Jesus
Heb. 9:26 For then must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world:
but now once in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice
of himself.
Heb. 10:12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat
down on the right hand of God;
b. The Sacrifice of ourselves.
Rom. 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye
present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your
reasonable service.
c. The sacrifice of praise.
Heb. 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that
is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His Name.
C. They rejoiced together. Vs. 43
1. It was because of the Lord.
2. Certainly He has given us much to rejoice about
Phil. 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.
3. Everyone joined in.
a) Wives and children
b) This was very unusual, as generally only the
men participated in their worship
ceremonies.
Conclusion
What an incredible service this must have been.
Oh that we would praise the Lord and Give him all the
glory and thanks that belongs to Him.
Psa. 30:12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give
thanks unto thee for ever.
Glory to His name! (Sing loudly!)
Glory to His Name, Glory to His Name,
There to my heart was the blood applied
Glory to His Name.
Are you thankful for your salvation today?
Let us give Him glory from a clean heart and thank Him for all He has done
