The Pursuit of Insight Takes Time

Scripture: Nehemiah 8:13-15

Then on the second day the heads of fathers' households of all the people, the priests and the Levites were gathered to Ezra the scribe that they might gain insight into the words of the law. They found written in the law how the LORD had commanded through Moses that the sons of Israel should live in booths during the feast of the seventh month. So they proclaimed and circulated a proclamation in all their cities and in Jerusalem, saying, "Go out to the hills, and bring olive branches and wild olive branches, myrtle branches, palm branches and branches of other leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written."

Insights: Last week we learned that a great revival had begun through the ministry of Ezra.  The people assembled for a worship service that lasted six hours.  I mention this event to help you understand that just one encounter with God is not going to give you complete insight and wisdom.  Notice in today’s verses that it read “on the second day.”  The point is they returned.  When we get to Friday we are even going to learn that they came back every day during the feast of booths to hear Ezra preach from the Scrolls of God’s Word.  Even those ten days (the time of the revival, plus this second day, plus the seven days of the festival, plus the final day of solemn assembly) one does not gain complete insight into the things of God.  The pursuit for insight and wisdom takes time.  We need to daily run to the Father and ask Him to teach us through the Bible the ways of life.  You also need to understand that age itself does not mean one gets wisdom.  In other words, if all one does is grow old, but they are not spending time daily in God’s Word growing in their relationship with the Lord, then they are NOT going to grow in insight and wisdom.  But according to Psalm 119:100 even a young man can gain wisdom if he will spend time with God and the Bible.  So, Beloved, invest the necessary time to grow in this commodity that is sorely lacking in the world today.  Let us become wise men and women and allow that wisdom to impact the lives of those around us.  As we live such a life, may God be brought glory through our obedience to Him.

Questions:

1. Do you get impatient with the speed at which the Lord gives you insight?
2. Do you recognize the need for daily pursuit of wisdom from God’s Word?

Prayer: Father, I know wisdom and insight come from You and Your Word.  Place an intense desire within my heart to spend time with You daily in Your Scriptures.  Grow me in Your grace.  Amen.