Jerusalem Reinhabited

Contstruction is finished and Jerusalem is reinhabited. They establish priests and leaders and singers and gatekeepers. The wall is dedicated with a joyous celebration and music. Provisions are made for the house of God and those who serve in Israel's worship. But the full glory of Jerusalem never returns. Even after Nehemiah goes back into the service of Artaxerxes, he comes again to Jerusalem to find many of his reforms undone - as inattention to covenant faithfulness creeps back in.

Similarly, we know that the full restoration of the creation will not be complete until Christ's return. Even as we rebuild walls - bringing the gospel to bear on the brokenness of a world affected by sin - we can only do so looking forward to the inhabitation of the New Jerusalem. In that city, further reforms won't be needed. Covenant infidelity won't creep its way back in. The joyous celebration of Jerusalem's walls rebuilt is tinged with sorrow - only temporary. Our joyous celebration here east of Eden as we glimpse a foretaste of restoration is also only in part - joy flows mingled with grief. But all with the hope of the Coming Kingdom of Christ - Jerusalem Rebuilt and Eden Restored.