Read Nehemiah 7:73-8:12
Don’t be distracted, the next three chapters will seem a bit out of place. Whatever the context, meaning, or intention, they do stand out. In this passage, we see Ezra gathering the people to continue his mission of making sure they were grounded by following God and abiding by the laws of Moses. I liked how the people even “asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had given for Israel to obey.” What did the people do when they saw Ezra open the book? They stood to their feet in a grand display of reverence!
The people living in Jerusalem had been given a “do-over.” Ezra’s mission was to make sure they didn’t fall away from God’s teachings like their ancestors taken into exile had done. The Levites read from the law and offered clear explanation so the people would understand.
The people were given the opportunity to not only hear God’s word but also understand what it means. So many times, I hear people today say they wish they understood the Bible. Many question whether it is relevant anymore.
I wish everybody on the planet was hungry to dive into God’s word. We don’t need the Levites here to decipher the Bible’s meaning for us like they did for the crowds in our passage. We can let the Holy Spirit do his “thing” and bring understanding to see exactly how relevant it is for us today. Recall Jesus’ words from John 14:26, “But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
The passage tells us that the people had an emotional response to hearing God’s word. Do you think they were overcome by the expectations they had to fulfill? Or perhaps just weeping because God had given them such a beautiful gift.
It’s easy to get emotional when we read God’s word, especially when we realize the message is for us. The Bible has so much to offer us with truth on how to live our lives in community with others and with God. We don’t have to figure it out on our own. Let the Holy Spirit enlighten you today and every day that you dig into God’s word to discover his message and truth for your life.
Let’s pray. Lord, your desire to be in relationship with your people, with me, astounds me. Thank you for each truth in Scripture that you have revealed to me. I look forward to reading your word each day to see what nugget I can cling to. Thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit to help me discern your messages. I never want to interpret your word incorrectly and look to you for guidance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
