Day Two: Neh.
8:7-12 “Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin,
Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and
Pelaiah, who were Levites, explained the law to the people as they stood in
their places. They read out of the book of the law of God, translating and
giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was read. Nehemiah
the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing
the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not
mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the
law. Then he said to them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and
send portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our
Lord. Do not grieve, because the joy of the Lord is your stronghold.” And the
Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not
grieve.” Then all the people began to eat and drink, send portions, and have a
great celebration, because they had understood the words that were explained to
them.”
IN TODAY’S WORLD, where nutrition and fitness have become
increasingly chic, completing a marathon has become an ultimate goal for many. This 26.2 mile endurance run promises a great sense of
accomplishment for those who complete it. It should go without saying, however,
that completing a marathon is no easy task. A great deal of training is
required to even complete a marathon, much less compete with other racers. For that already in reasonably good
shape,
Interestingly, this ought to be the
same way we approach God’s Word. We should not expect to flippantly open the Bible, turn to
a random verse, read it, and truly encounter the living God. Look at the care and devotion to God’s
Word in our text.
In this passage, we see that the people explained, read, translated, and gave a
clear meaning of the text to those in need of God’s Word. Then, they proceeded to tell the
people to eat, cease their grieving, and begin rejoicing in the Lord. And the people did, “because they had
understood the words that were explained to them. (Neh.8:12)”
Look at all of the work that went into understanding the Scriptures. Understanding came after a long
process of preparation and training for receiving God’s Word. If we truly want to encounter the
power of God’s Word, we must be willing to prepare for receiving God’s Word.
PAUSE AND REFLECT
▷▷What does it mean to prepare to receive God’s Word?
▷▷Practically speaking, how would one go about preparing to
receive God’s Word?
▷▷Why is it important that you prepare to
receive God’s Word personally?
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