Just 52 days after the project began, the wall which had been in shambles was once again functional. While it would take a few years to bring it up to code, the wall was doing its job: providing protection and security for the people who needed it most. Up until that point, life had to have been fairly chaotic for Jerusalem's inhabitants.
When we live in crisis mode, we don't really live. We survive. Our focus is on getting through one day at a time without going under emotionally, physically, financially, spiritually, relationally, vocationally, etc. We don't choose to neglect important aspects of our lives, we just can't get to them because we are consumed with simply getting through the day. The people of Israel were surviving for decades. Imagine what having the wall back meant for all the things they never got to.
With the wall up, an announcement was made that Ezra was going to read portions of the Book of the Law aloud for people to hear - many for the first time. Thousands upon thousands turned out for this unprecedented event. Think Washington Mall gathering for a rally. People had heard pieces of the story over the years as it was passed down from generation to generation. How much was missed? This was an opportunity to hear the real deal.
The reading commenced. Creation. Adam and Eve. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph. Moses. The Exodus. Law. Wandering. Joshua. Promised Land. Judges. Kings. Turmoil. Faithful God. Unruly people. Graceful God. Ungrateful masses. Exile.
Deuteronomy was undoubtedly read - Moses' farewell speech to Israel. After people heard it, many things came into focus for them. God was extremely accommodating. People rebelled. A lot. The people heard how God wanted to redeem a world through a people who walked closely with their Maker. Their rule of life and connection with God would be contagious. That dream didn't realize, however. Instead, the people at this point in the story were looking around at what they had in light of what could have been. It was a moment of great clarity.
Israel wept.
Ezra recognized what was happening, and allowed the look in the mirror to have its affect. But then he quieted the crowd. He pulled out a calendar and reminded them that this was the time of year when the Jewish people celebrated the Feast of Tabernacles. They wold party for a week, tent camping together as a reminder of how they lived for 40 years en route to the Promised Land. It was a time when they remembered how good God was to them, providing for them from Egypt all the home, even when they were defiant. God was that good.
Ezra probably had them look around at the wall that had been restored in 52 days - a miracle. God was obviously behind this. God had not given up on them. So, while humility in light of reality was appropriate, so was celebration. This was a time to thank God and recommit to the Story God had been weaving for millennium.
We can relate. Our story has similar themes. Our story built upon theirs. Christ came to wrap up unresolved portions of the Jewish story while pointing to the same hope God communicated in the very beginning. The people of God would live by another Kingdom's rule, led by a different King - Christ - who would be forever just, compassionate, good, true. Those who embraced this King's leadership wold have a markedly different experience of life. A quality that circumstances cannot fatally impact. Hope that springs eternal. Grace in abundance. These followers could change the world through their love and allegiance to this King.
When we think about where we are - the condition of our lives and life all around us, I think we can understand why the Jews wept in Jerusalem that day. In so many ways, we who have claimed to be "little Christs" (literal meaning of "Christian") have overemphasized "little" as witnessed by our apathy, lethargy, ignorance, immaturity, obstinacy. We have been the keepers of the Story, charged with the privilege to share it far and wide, and we have hid it under a bushel. And the world we live in reflects it. Easy to well up when we come to grips with what could be in the face of what is.
We need to sit in ashes for awhile.
But not too long, because the God who began the Story still wants us in it, and still invites us to find ourselves in its unfolding. Our God is a redeemer. Humility is wonderful for our relationship with God. And humility that leads to worshipful commitment is even more breathtaking - it marks a new chapter of hope for our day. As we turn the page, we realize that we play a role in how fast repairs will be made to broken places and lives in our world. Our love toward, obedience to, and worship of the God who has given us Christ the King will change us and the world right along with it.
Let's set up the tents. Let's stay up late sharing life together. Let's gather around the fire and remember Our Story, and bring its Good News - the gospel - to a world longing for restoration.
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