Scripture: Nehemiah 8:2-6
Then Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly of
men, women and all who could listen with understanding, on the first day
of the seventh month. He read from it before the square which was in
front of the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of men
and women, those who could understand; and all the people were attentive to the
book of the law. Ezra the scribe stood at a wooden podium which they
had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah,
Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand; and Pedaiah, Mishael,
Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah and Meshullam on his left
hand. Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people for he was
standing above all the people; and when he opened it, all the people stood up.
Then Ezra blessed the LORD the great God. And all the people answered,
"Amen, Amen!" while lifting up their hands; then they bowed low and
worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
Insights: If
you think emotions and exuberance are going to fuel us to the finish line of
faith, then you are greatly mistaken. It
takes something much stronger to provide lasting fuel for this kind of race and
that something is the Bible. In today’s
verses notice two things that were done in regards to the Word. First, they read the Bible for six
hours. That time frame is what is meant
by early morning until midday. God
forgive us for those times in which we complain when a service goes past noon
and our bellies are not feed. Second,
they respected the Bible. Now, please
understand, we don’t worship the Bible.
God is the only One to be worshipped.
The Bible, however, is God’s Word to us and therefore ought to be
treated properly. These Jewish
worshippers in Jerusalem stood up when Ezra opened the book. There are times we ought to stand in honor of
the reading of God’s Word and this service was such an occasion. As the Words were read notice what else the
people did. They said, “Amen, Amen!” As a preacher, let me tell you that is like
sickim’ to a bulldog. You ought to
encourage your pastor as he preaches by verbally giving affirmation to those
points the Spirit pricks your heart.
Notice a third thing they did to show respect for God’s Word as it was
read. They raised their hands. The overwhelming joy of those Words brought
visible expressions of exhilaration.
Finally, they became convicted of their sin because of the Words and
they laid on the ground.
Questions:
- Are you spending time daily in the Bible?
- Are you worshipping the Lord unashamedly?
Prayer: Lord, thank You
for Your Word, the Bible. Let me show
the proper respect of it as I worship You.
Let its instruction guide me life and ways. To You be honor and praise. Amen.
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