Read the Word:
Nehemiah 8:1-12
Meditate on the Word:
We can see three very important things in this short narrative. We observe the public reading of the word of God, the explanation of the word, and the response to the word. Not everyone could have a copy of the scriptures at this time. The public reading was the only way that most would hear God’s word to His people. People had to make an effort to go and hear the word being proclaimed. Now, we have many copies and translations of the scriptures, and it is available on most of our devices. But do we put the effort into hearing what God is saying?
The people not only heard the word, but it was translated and explained for them. In the generations of the Babylonian captivity, the Israelites’ command of the language of scriptures had dwindled. Much of what they heard would have been meaningless without the interpretation and explanation of the Levites who had studied the scriptures. It would have been gibberish and not led to a response. All scripture is the word of God and demands a response. Sometimes this response is repentance of sin. Sometimes it is thankfulness for what God has done. Sometimes it is even celebration. But there must always be a response.
Pray the Word:
Think back to your response to the sermon from Sunday. What would God have you to do as a result? Commit to Him to do that today.
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