Nehemiah 12:43

"Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off."

'Tears may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning'. We see here at the close of thethis book the Lord gave joy to the people. The book began with the walls down, the city in distress and the people forsaken. But now, through the work of God for His people, worship is restored and the people give praise unto Him, Who is worthy. also that day they offered great sacrifices - with all the confusion, no doubt the sacrifices had not been offered faithfully; During their days of trascension, the sacrifices of God had been halted or neglected for fear of their enemies. But order is restored and civility is brought to the city. The walls offer them protection and shelter. The temple is the place and now let the people offer. Many came to offer for it was a time of sanctifying and glorifying the Lord for what He had done for them. Note: the difference between here that many sacrifices had to be offered up, but the Great Sacrifice was offered up in Jesus Christ for all mankind. How splendid is His ways and plans. He hath made an offering for us with a great SAcrifice of His love. 'For no man hath any greater love than that he lay down his life for those that he loves.' What has been your sacrifice offered up for Him? 'Here am I, O Lord send me.' 'Let your will be done in me and through me' Offer the great sacrifice of all that you are to Him. And rejoiced - the time of rejoicing was at hand; Sorrow and suffering is or a while, but rejoicing comes to those that look for it and wait for it. I would ask you, when was the last time you rejoiced in the Lord? When was the last time the people of the Lord rejoiced? It is so sad that many would even dare say, 'What is there to rejoice in?' They see the present or dwell on the past and know nothing of the workings of the Lord. 'Rejoice in the Lord and again I say, REjoice.' It is in Him, seek Him, see Him, offer unto Him and know the blessings of the Lord. Lift up voices and give praise and honor. Declare His mighty deeds and answered prayers and 'taste and see that the Lord is good'. What rejoicing in heaven over one soul that is saved. How much more over the work of God on a daily basis for those that will allow it. For God had made them rejoice with great joy - word study, made; God caused their joy to flow over and rejoicing is the result of it.