In the Book of Nehemiah you find a report of the mixed feelings the characterized the Jewish people returning from exile in Babylonia to the promised land. They had been away for thirty or so years and their nostalgic memories of the “good old days” were shattered by the reality of the need to recover their property, rebuild their homes, reconstitute their farms. In the midst of that disappointment Nehemiah as the governor and Ezra, the priest, call the people together to remind them of why the return to the promised land was so important. It provided them the opportunity to live as children of God. Nehemiah told them:”Go, eat rich foods and drink sweet drinks … for rejoicing in the LORD must be your strength!”
