55-Days Devotional Journey - Day 51
July 21, 2025 (Monday)

Scripture:
These are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, Iddo, Ginnethoi, Abijah, Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah, Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chiefs of the priests and of their brothers in the days of Jeshua.

And the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who with his brothers was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving. And Bakbukiah and Unni and their brothers stood opposite them in the service. And Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim the father of Eliashib, Eliashib the father of Joiada, Joiada the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan the father of Jaddua.

And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers' houses: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan; of Malluchi, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph; of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai; of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam; of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai; of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan; of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi; of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber; of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethanel.

In the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, the Levites were recorded as heads of fathers' houses; so too were the priests in the reign of Darius the Persian. As for the sons of Levi, their heads of fathers' houses were written in the Book of the Chronicles until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib. And the chiefs of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brothers who stood opposite them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, watch by watch. Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers standing guard at the storehouses of the gates. These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra, the priest and scribe. Nehemiah 12:1-26 (ESV)

Reflection:
Nehemiah 12 opens with a roll call of names: priests, Levites, and leaders who had faithfully served in the work of rebuilding. This was more than just a record; it was a celebration of God's faithfulness through generations. The wall was now complete, and the people stood ready to dedicate it with joy, music, and thanksgiving.

God's work is always worth celebrating. Whether in big victories or small steps of obedience, He is at work in and through His people. When we take time to remember what God has done—in our lives, our church, and our mission—we strengthen our faith and renew our hope for what He will do next. Celebration isn't just about looking back; it fuels us to keep moving forward in His purposes.

Reflection Question:
What evidence of God's work in your life or in your community can you celebrate today? How can you intentionally give thanks and rejoice in what He has done?

Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your faithfulness that never fails. Help me to pause and celebrate Your work—not just the finished walls, but every stone laid along the way. Fill my heart with gratitude, and let my life be a song of praise for all You've done. May my joy in You inspire others to trust and follow You. In Jesus' name, Amen.

By Pastor Joel Tang