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January 29
Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” — Neh 8:10 BSB
In the days of Nehemiah, as they celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles, they heard this command: “Do not be sorry, for the joy of the Lord is your strength. Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared.”
How many around us have nothing prepared for them! Let us find those who are sad or needy, those who have no one to care for them, and offer them our prayers and compassion. Let us follow the example of Christ, who on that first Christmas gave everything—even to those who rejected Him.
Let us not be afraid to experience love that goes unreturned, love that is cast aside by the unworthy. That is the love of Christ, and God has a rich reward for such love.
How Christ must grieve over the selfishness He encounters in those for whom He died.