Nehemiah 8:8–9 (ESV): “They read from the book, from the Law of God, clearly, and they gave the sense, so that the people understood the reading. And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law.”
The Word of God is a mirror for the heart. It exposes our sins and brings healing to our souls. Do not neglect the Word—read it, study it, and rightly divide it!
After setting the gates for the wall, God put it on Nehemiah’s heart to assemble the people and consider the genealogy of those who came out of Babylon. There were 42,360 people, besides male and female servants, assembled. They gathered in the square before the Water Gate and asked Ezra to read the Word of God. So, from morning until midday, Ezra and other Levites read from the law and helped the people understand it. The people mourned, for they had sinned greatly. Then Nehemiah said, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn or weep.” He encouraged them to celebrate all that God had done.
How do you respond to the reading of God’s Word? Does it hit you like a ton of bricks, or are you indifferent to what it says? The Word is not meant to destroy but to heal. It is not meant to conceal but to reveal the attitudes and actions of our hearts. Sit before the Word, and the Holy Spirit will give you understanding. Then you can rejoice and celebrate, for the Lord has done great things on your behalf. The Word is the key! Read it, know it, live it. Amen?
Father, we thank You for speaking into our lives through Your Word. Use it today to teach, exhort, correct, and train us in righteousness so that we can be prepared for every good work. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
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