Father, I pray we will be people of Your Word. And when we read Your Word, we will be people of obedience. Fill us full of Your Spirit and joy of heart. In Jesus name…
Remember, these people had been held captive for years prior to this moment. Some of them had never heard from the book of the law. Most, if not all, had never followed the law of the Lord.
“And all the people gathered as one man into the square before the Water Gate. And they told Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses that the Lord had commanded Israel…And he read from it facing the square before the Water Gate from early morning until midday, in the presence of the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law.” Nehemiah 8:1, 3
When hearing of their disregard for the Word the people worshiped, but they also mourned. Nehemiah says to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10
They didn’t just listen, but they also responded in worship and obedience. The Word of God is imperative to our lives. Maybe, you have disregarded its importance in your life. Today, make the decision to change that. Don’t mourn. Take heed to the Word of God, be obedient to what the Word of God speaks, and celebrate His leading through it. Consider as we stay faithful to read His Word and follow Jesus we can consistently celebrate.
Today, I’m going to read His Word, count this day as holy, eat and drink, rejoice as I understand the words which have been declared to me.
Jesus is Lord. He finished the work on the cross. Salvation has been given to me. Today, is the day of rejoicing!
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.