Nehemiah 2:17-18 – Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.”  So they began this good work.

After 70 years of Babylonian captivity, the nation of Israel was returning from exile. The gates and walls of Jerusalem lay in ruins. Nehemiah was among those who returned to start rebuilding. These gates prophetically describe aspects of Jesus’ work, and stages in our walk with Him.

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Nehemiah 8:10 - Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The Bible teaches that salvation has many facets and features in addition to forgiveness or redemption. Salvation includes the miracle of regeneration, repentance from sins, sanctification, participation in Christ’s body, the indwelling of Christ through the Holy Spirit, eternal life, joy renewed daily (see Isaiah 12:3), peace, hope, prosperity, healing, being taught and guided by the Holy Spirit, being empowered to share our faith effectively, and much more. Believers need teaching and instruction about all of these aspects of Christ’s work in their lives so that they can receive everything God has for them.  This well-known verse reminds us of two particular facets of salvation: the joy of the Lord, and the strength we draw from that joy.

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