So the people went out and brought them and made booths for
themselves, each on his roof, and in their courts and in the courts of the
house of God, and in the square at the Water Gate and in the square at the Gate
of Ephraim. (Nehemiah 8:16 NAU)
This gate is about trading beauty for ashes. It is a
reminder that where we should have received ashes (the singular form of
Ephraim), instead, we received beauty and a double portion. Don’t forget,
Ephraim, the younger sibling, received the double portion normally reserved for
the oldest son. His father and brother found it quite unnerving when Ephraim’s
grandfather, Jacob, pronounced the double portion for him instead of his older
brother.
The Creator of the Universe chose to be born in a stable, so we who could do nothing for ourselves might enjoy the splendor and riches of the New Jerusalem. We deserve nothing; we receive a double portion.
The One who owns it all gave up everything, so we who had nothing could inherit the treasures of Heaven. What a glorious truth for us to try to wrap our minds around.
Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery
to be equal with God, 7but made Himself of no reputation, taking the
form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8And being found in appearance as a man,
He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of
the cross. (Philippians 2:6-8 NKJV)
The One who was adorned in Deity took on the humble
garments of humanity, so we might exchange our filthy rags for robes of
righteousness.
The sinless Son of God became sin so we, who had no righteousness, might receive the righteousness that comes from God himself.
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